Californians Rally Against Federal Coastal Control
A large gathering occurred in Santa Monica where hundreds of California residents voiced opposition against the Trump administration’s efforts to take over control of the state’s coastline. This public demonstration brought together environmental leaders, elected officials, activists, Indigenous groups, and citizens against a federal investigation that could revoke California’s authority to reject federal projects on its coast.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Coastal Management hosted a hearing attended by these groups, addressing concerns about an investigation perceived as a step towards offshore oil drilling, rocket launches, and potentially floating nuclear reactors.
“I’m scared, not because we haven’t built something worth protecting — we have. I’m scared because this meeting is performance theater. In some ways, the decision seems already made,” stated Maureen Ellenberger, a resident from Santa Barbara.
The federal investigation, as described by experts, might undermine the longstanding co-management framework under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). The act permits coastal states to object to projects that contradict state policies. Trump officials propose using the act against California, accusing it of obstructing spaceport development.
Performance reviews over state management are standard every five to ten years, yet the specific targeting of industries is unusual. Notifications of this review surfaced through a social media post, unusual as the state recently underwent a favorable review under Biden’s administration with no issues reported.
The new review initiated on Monday with an in-person hearing during the public comment period, with more than 15,000 written comments submitted until August 22. The hearing brought no support for the review, as attendees voiced strong opposition, emphasizing pride in their coastal management successes.
A display of unity occurred, with constant applause and shared personal stories highlighting the importance of coastal access. Jennifer Savage of the Surfrider Foundation remarked on the unifying joy found in California’s coastal regions.
California’s environmental leaders, such as Kate Huckelbridge of the Coastal Commission, spoke on the collaborative history facilitated by the CZMA. She criticized the review as a possible attempt to strip the state’s ability to hold public hearings on federal projects.
“California has received very little information about why this new federal review is being undertaken. Still, we welcome a fair and transparent evaluation. Our record speaks for itself,” Huckelbridge explained.
Over the years, the Coastal Commission has approved 96% of federal actions brought before it, highlighting cooperation between the state and federal governments. Former officials question the timing of the review, describing it as unprecedented and unnecessary.
Following this week’s hearings, the process remains uncertain. If issues arise from the review, California could be allowed to respond to proposed changes, potentially leading to multistage discussions.
Outside the meeting room, supporters from environmental organizations, Congress members, and Indigenous leaders gathered to amplify the opposition. Toni Cordero, an Indigenous representative, emphasized the protection of ocean habitats from presumed compliance checks under the CZMA.
“It is their homelands, their well-being and their futures that are also at stake under the guise of ensuring compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act,” declared Cordero.
Wade Crowfoot, California’s secretary for natural resources, reaffirmed the unified stance against federal imposition. “California’s coast is not for sale, and a hostile takeover of our coast by the federal government… won’t be tolerated,” he assured.