What happens when the country’s largest network of coastal advocates visits our nation’s capital? The answer: Ocean Recreation Hill Day!
Members of the California delegation wrap up their meetings on the hill
Nearly a hundred Surfrider members, recreation industry leaders and environmental partners traveled to Washington D.C. on February 15-16th to meet with federal leaders about ways to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches. Participants visited 107 Senate and House offices in support of stopping offshore drilling, funding beach water testing programs, reducing plastic pollution and strengthening ocean and coastal management.
Surfrider and recreation and tourism leaders also met with the Department of Interior and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to ask agency leadership to cancel plans for new offshore drilling. During the meetings, Surfrider CEO Dr. Chad Nelsen presented officials with a surfboard and letters signed by over a thousand coastal businesses and elected officials in opposition to new oil and gas development off our coasts.
Maryland advocates visit Congressman Cummings office
In January, the Department of Interior released a draft proposal to expand offshore oil drilling to 90% of U.S. waters, putting our nation’s marine ecosystems and coastal communities at grave risk. The meetings served as a timely opportunity to remind the Trump administration that over 100 million Americans visit the beach each year generating over $107 billion to our nation’s gross domestic product.
Surfrider Youth Club leaders advocate that we must #DefendOurCoasts
Surfrider’s D.C. Chapter served as host for Ocean Recreation Hill Day, housing visiting chapters and sponsoring a celebration on Friday evening for participants and supporters. We’re very grateful to the 32 Surfrider chapters and clubs that traveled to Washington D.C. to make their voice heard. Special thanks to Oceana, Blue Frontier, Healthy Oceans Coalition, Conservation Law Foundation and other partners who participated!
Members of the Washington delegation pose in front of the U.S. Capitol
To read Surfrider’s federal priorities click here.
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