California files formal response to federal coastal review, urges public to make their voices heard

What you need to know: California has submitted formal comments opposing the federal administration's review of the state's Coastal Management Program and is encouraging Californians to participate in upcoming federal meetings and submit comments by Aug. 22.

SACRAMENTO - California announced today it submitted formal comments opposing the federal administration's unprecedented review of the state's Coastal Management Program, arguing the action is a politically motivated attempt to weaken California's role in protecting its coast while clearing the way for expanded offshore oil drilling, pipeline restarts and other industrial development.

"Trump is threatening California's coast in pursuit of reckless offshore oil and gas extraction to pad the wallets of his corrupt oil cronies," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "We won't stand by while Trump sidelines the people who rely on and care for California's coast. Now is the time to make our voices heard. Give the Trump administration an earful."

The filing responds to the federal government's "Evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program." While the title sounds technical, what's at stake is straightforward: whether California continues to have a say in federal decisions about the future of the state's coast.

"California's coast is part of who we are. It supports millions of jobs, world-renowned recreation, thriving wildlife, and communities up and down the state," said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. "For decades, California and the federal government have worked together to protect our coast while supporting a thriving economy. That's why we're taking the time to explain this review in plain language and encourage Californians to participate."[DV1]

The state's filing comes ahead of three public meetings hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and a public comment period that remains open through Aug. 22.

How we got here

For nearly 50 years, California has used its Coastal Management Program to work alongside the federal government to help shape decisions affecting the state's coast. That partnership has helped protect public access, support coastal communities and businesses, safeguard wildlife and natural resources, and ensure local and tribal voices are considered when major federal projects are proposed.

"California has proudly managed and protected its coastline for more than 50 years," said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. "We shouldn't have to choose between protecting our environment and supporting our economy. We can and must do both."

In May, the U.S. Department of Commerce directed NOAA to conduct a new review of California's Coastal Management Program, despite NOAA completing its regularly scheduled evaluation of the program in 2025. As part of the review, the federal government is seeking public input on offshore oil drilling, pipeline infrastructure, desalination, undersea cables, deep seabed mining, spaceport development and other projects that could shape the future of California's coast.

Since the announcement of the review, the state has been working to help Californians understand what's at stake for the coast, including the long-standing federal-state partnership that has helped support both coastal protections and a thriving economy.

During an Aug. 5 Secretary Speaker Series webinar, Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development Director Dee Dee Myers said that partnership has provided certainty for California's $51 billion coastal economy.

"Strong environmental protections create certainty, and certainty is good for business," Myers said. "Companies invest when they know the rules are stable, communities can plan for the long term, and the resources they depend on will be protected."

Hog Island Oyster Company President and CEO John Finger said healthy coastal ecosystems are fundamental to California businesses.

"Coastal health is everything," Finger said. "We can't do what we do and grow oysters that are healthy and safe to eat without coastal protections in place."

NOAA's regularly scheduled 2025 evaluation found California was effectively implementing its Coastal Management Program. The decision to reopen the review just over a year later is unprecedented and comes despite a long history of successful federal-state coordination. Records show that in the past 48 years, the California Coastal Commission has reviewed more than 3,700 federal actions and, in 96% of cases, either negotiated improvements or approved projects as submitted -- demonstrating that the Coastal Management Program has consistently helped improve federal projects while allowing them to move forward.

"In almost every case, we work successfully with federal agencies to make sure Californians' voice is heard through these projects," said California Coastal Commission Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge. "We add important improvements that help fishing communities, coastal communities, and ensure California's priorities are considered."

That successful track record is one reason coastal leaders say this new review is so unusual.

"If reviews can be reopened without clear reasons or established process, every coastal state has reason to be concerned about the precedent that sets," said Derek Brockbank, executive director of the Coastal States Organization.

Brockbank also noted that under the Coastal Zone Management Act, NOAA must respond to every written comment submitted during the review, making public participation an important part of the federal process.

California encourages residents, Tribal governments, local officials, businesses, fishermen, scientists, conservation organizations and anyone who cares about the future of the state's coast to attend a meeting or submit comments by Aug. 22.

"Every voice matters," said Hermosa Beach City Councilmember and California Coastal Commissioner Ray Jackson. "This is another opportunity to get people informed about what's happening. The people who fought to protect our coast 50 years ago are counting on us now to carry that legacy forward."

Whether you visit its beaches, make a living on the water, run a coastal business or simply care about California's coast, now is the time to help shape the decisions that will affect generations to come.

NOAA Public Meetings

Aug. 10: In-person meeting in Santa Monica

Aug. 11: Virtual public meeting

Aug. 12: Virtual public meeting

Written comments will be accepted through Aug. 22.

Make your voice heard: submit a comment now via the federal register.