The historic 2024 election is behind us. While the outcomes at the federal level are expected to yield challenges for our coasts and oceans, there is reason to celebrate state and local policy victories that emerged on November 5.
Surfrider helped lead campaigns in California, Washington, and Suffolk County, New York, to pass or stop ballot measures on priority issues for our network, including coastal resilience to climate change and clean water at our beaches. The success of these efforts demonstrates Surfrider’s ability to be an effective advocate for our ocean, even when the national rhetoric is focused on other matters. What’s more, our ethos of ‘think globally, act locally’ provides a blueprint for tipping the scales nationally on our issues with local action.
Climate Bond Passes in California
California voters passed a historic Climate Bond through Voter Proposition 4, which establishes a roadmap for $10 billion to be spent on protecting the coast, preparing for sea level rise, preserving habitats, and building clean energy infrastructure. “This measure represents a much-needed investment in the future of California's coastline by strengthening the natural defenses that protect both the environment and local communities,” noted California Policy Associate Director Jennifer Savage. The passed ballot measure provides $1.2 billion to strengthen coastal resilience to sea level rise and other climate impacts through restoration and adaptation projects. “Proposition 4 is a vital step toward preserving both California's economic and ecological values by ensuring the protection of coastal resources,” continued Savage. “We applaud the people of California for helping to pass such bold action for the state and the planet.”
Proposition 4 also provides significant benefits for the communities plagued by the ongoing pollution crisis at the U.S./Mexico border by allocating $50 million to fund much-needed wastewater infrastructure projects. According to Sarah Davidson, Surfrider’s Clean Border Water Now Manager, “It’s heartening to see the state’s contribution towards addressing one of the worst public health and environmental justice emergencies in the country. These infrastructure projects can provide relief to frontline communities who are experiencing daily health impairments from the toxic pollution permeating their homes, schools, places of work, and outdoor spaces. We are grateful to the people of California for approving this much needed funding.”
Washington Stops Repeal of Climate Commitment Act
Surfrider and a coalition of partners helped defeat a ballot initiative in Washington that would have repealed the state’s Climate Commitment Act. This 2023 legislation creates a cap and trade market that has already contributed over $2 billion in funding to projects ranging from coastal habitat restoration to renewable energy. At least one-third of that money goes directly to burdened communities and Tribes that are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. If passed, the initiative would have ended protections for Washington’s air, water, and forests while taking away billions in funding for climate-smart infrastructure.
According to Peter Steelquist, Surfrider’s Washington Policy Manager, “repealing the Climate Commitment Act this November would have threatened coastal water quality throughout the Salish Sea, ended programs that restore vital habitat, and cut programs to improve coastal resilience and address issues like ocean acidification, tsunami hazards, coastal erosion, and blue carbon. Voters in Washington sent a resounding message this election that we must continue our fight against climate change.”
A Win for Water Quality in Suffolk County, New York
In New York, Suffolk County voters approved the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act, which raises sales tax in the county to create a long-term funding source for upgrading cesspools, septics, and sewer systems. Outdated wastewater infrastructure is the primary source of nitrogen pollution on Long Island, causing harmful algal blooms, fish kills, and declining shellfish populations. Funding gaps have limited efforts to replace cesspools and septics and to expand sewage lines. This clean water victory will generate $4 billion to modernize wastewater infrastructure and protect Long Island’s waters from nitrogen pollution.
According to Jenna Schwerzmann, Surfrider’s Eastern Long Island Chapter Coordinator, “This monumental non-partisan decision marks a turning point in the decades-long effort to restore Long Island’s beaches, bays, and harbors. The Surfrider Foundation is incredibly proud to play a role in this win for clean water and healthy coastal ecosystems.”
We Need Your Help
Part of Surfrider’s strength is its ability to make an impact at all levels and adapt to the opportunities and challenges that emerge. While the incoming Trump administration and Congress will not make it easier to accomplish our national-level priorities, such as ending new offshore oil drilling, we have plenty of momentum, expertise, and people power to enact change at the local and state levels. With our successes there, we can and will make impacts at the national scale.
But we desperately need your support.
To continue to advance our programs and advocacy in 2025 and beyond, please make a donation to Surfrider today.
Through Giving Tuesday, all donations will be matched by our friends at REEF footwear so your donation will have double the impact.
Thank you and see you in the water!
