Congress just approved funding for the BEACH Act (same amount as the previous four years) and the National Ocean Policy as part of its $1.1 trillion budget. Read more here.
While there are victories for our ocean, waves and beaches, there were trade-offs made during the budget negotiations, and the federal crude oil export ban that has been in place for more than 40 years has been lifted. This is one more reason to remind our elected leaders why offshore drilling in the Atlantic is Not the Answer.
While Surfrider is happy that we have succeeded in saving BEACH Act funded, state and local beach water quality monitoring programs for another year, we will start the new year off with renewed determination to protect the long-term funding for these critical public health programs. Look for more information in January on how you can help ask President Obama and his administration to reprioritize funding for beach water quality protection programs, so you and your family can Know Before You Go.
