Surfrider's network visits Washington D.C. to defend our nation's coasts!
Over one hundred Surfrider Foundation members and recreation industry partners traveled to Washington D.C. on February 28 – March 1st to meet with federal leaders about ways to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches. Participants visited 125 Senate and House offices in support of stopping offshore drilling, funding clean water programs, reducing plastic pollution and strengthening ocean and coastal management.
Surfrider and recreation and tourism leaders also met with the Department of Interior, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and White House officials to ask the Trump administration to cancel plans for new offshore drilling. During the meetings, Surfrider CEO Dr. Chad Nelsen and members of the Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association (SIMA) presented officials with a surfboard and letter signed by over a thousand coastal businesses opposed to new offshore oil and gas development.
CEO Chad Nelsen, presentating the #DefendOurCoasts surfboard to the Dept. of the Interior
Last year, the Department of Interior released a draft proposal to expand offshore oil drilling to over 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 supporting 2.2 million jobs and contributing over $115 billion to our nation’s gross domestic product.
Surfrider UNCW Youth Club leaders advocate that we must #DefendOurCoasts
Surfrider’s D.C. Chapter served as host for Coastal Recreation Hill Day, co-sponsoring a celebration on Friday evening for participants and supporters. We’re very grateful to the 28 Surfrider chapters and clubs that traveled to Washington D.C. to make their voice heard. Special thanks to the Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association (SIMA), WSL Pure (World Surfing League), Outdoor Alliance, National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, and other partners who participated!
Surfrider volunteers and staff from the California state delegation.
To read Surfrider’s federal priorities click here.
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