Take Action — Public Comment Period Open
Defend California's Coast: Tell NOAA What the State's Coastal Program Means to You
The federal government is reviewing California's authority to push back on offshore drilling, rocket launches, and other coastal projects. The public comment period is open now — here's how to make your voice count.
Written comment deadline: August 22, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PT
What's happening
NOAA is conducting a federally required review of the California Coastal Management Program — the state law that lets California object to offshore drilling, rocket launches, pipelines, desalination projects, and undersea cables in federal waters when they threaten the coast.
NOAA opened public comment on June 26, 2026 via official notice in the Federal Register (91 FR 38674). This review follows a 2024 evaluation that already found California's program working as intended — and never resulted in a final report. If NOAA finds California "out of compliance," the state could lose federal funding and face challenges to the authority itself.
California's track record
135+aerospace/space launch projects reviewed since 1980 — only 2 objected to
18/18undersea cable projects reviewed in 30 years — concurred with every one
49years of consistent offshore oil & gas review
This is a program that approves the vast majority of projects it reviews, while catching the rare ones that pose real harm — exactly what the Coastal Zone Management Act asks it to do.
Talking points
It's working. California's coastal program has a decades-long record of approving well-sited projects and objecting only when there's documented harm — not a pattern of obstruction.
This review is redundant. NOAA evaluated California's program in 2024 and found it successfully implemented and enforced. That report was never finalized. This new review comes less than two years later, far sooner than the typical five-to-ten-year cycle.
Real authority is at stake. A negative finding could suspend federal funding to the Coastal Commission and related agencies, and lay the groundwork to challenge the "federal consistency" authority that stopped the Trestles toll road and lets California weigh in on offshore drilling and federal infrastructure projects.
Speak from your own connection to the coast. NOAA wants to hear from people who live, work, surf, or fish along California's coast — say what these protections mean to your community specifically.
How to submit a comment
All comments become part of the public record. Anything you submit — including your name — will be publicly accessible.
1. Written comment
Deadline: August 22, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PT
Email czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov with "Comments on Performance Evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program" in the subject line.
Draft Your Email2. In-person public meeting
August 10, 2026 · 2–6 p.m. PT
Pacific Ballroom, Hilton Santa Monica Hotel and Suites, 1707 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- To speak: register by emailing czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov by 11:59 p.m. PT on August 8.
- Walk-ins accepted, but called only after pre-registered speakers.
- 3 minutes per speaker; time cannot be transferred.
- Meeting will be recorded; transcript available by email request.
Watching only (no comments accepted via this channel): register for the livestream
3. Virtual public meetings
August 11 & 12, 2026 · 2–5 p.m. PT each day
Held via Adobe Connect. Attendance capped at 1,000 per session — attend only one day.
- Register by 11:59 p.m. PT on August 10.
- Speakers called in order via the "raise hand" function; 3 minutes each, no transferring time.
- Sessions recorded; transcripts available by email request.
Prepared by Surfrider Foundation | Questions about the review: czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov