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Photo: Anh Truong Craver @wave.cravers
Hundreds of people attended events in San Diego and Orange County to speak out against the federal government’s 5-year offshore oil drilling plan. More events are planned for January.
On November 20, the Trump administration announced a dangerous proposal to open up California, the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and the Arctic to new offshore drilling. The plan targets 1.27 billion acres of U.S. ocean for oil and gas development, putting ocean ecosystems, communities, and businesses at serious risk. Yet, despite the unprecedented scale of proposal, the federal government is not holding a single public meeting to accept testimony during the current comment period.
To help ensure the public’s voice is heard, Surfrider and our partners are organizing nonpartisan events to raise awareness and demonstrate opposition to new offshore drilling. This month, a series of People’s Hearings events launched in Southern California to bring together elected officials, businesses, Tribal council members, community leaders, surfers, fishers, and environmentalists. Nearly 300 people attended events in San Diego and Orange Counties with dozens of attendees providing testimony against offshore drilling.
Encinitas Community Center, December 4. Photo: Anh Truong Craver @wave.cravers
The San Diego County People’s Hearing was held in Encinitas on December 4 with support from Surfrider Foundation, the California Coastal Protection Network, Oceana, and WILDCOAST. Speakers included Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, Solana Beach Mayor, SANDAG Chair Lesa Heebner, Robert Wallace of the Kumeyaay Nation, Congressman Mike Levin (via video), State Senator Catherine Blakespear (via video), and business, community, and environmental justice leaders. To read the press release, click here.
The Orange County People’s Hearing was held in Costa Mesa on December 8 with support from Surfrider Foundation, Orange County Coastkeeper, and Oceana. Speakers included Congressman Dave Min, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, California Coastal Commissioner and City of Hermosa Beach City Councilmember Ray Jackson, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, Costa Mesa City Councilmember Arlis Reynolds, Congressman Ted Lieu (via video), and Tribal, business, and community leaders. To read the press release, click here.
Here is a list of upcoming People’s Hearings Events in California
January 9 - Monterey (more info)
January 16 - Santa Barbara (more info)
January 16 - Sausalito (more info)
January 18 - Eureka (TBD)
Thanks to all the organizations involved in organizing these public events! Here are some additional ways to take action!
Ways to Take Action
- Sign the Action Alert to BOEM or submit a comment directly
- Contact your Congressional representatives: Take Action
- Visit our campaign resources below to learn more