Californians Rally Against Federal Oversight of Coastline Management

In a major show of opposition, numerous Californians gathered in Santa Monica to oppose the Trump administration’s move to take control of the state’s coastline. Top environmental figures, elected officials, environmentalists, business groups, community activists, Indigenous representatives, and citizens attended a public hearing before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Coastal Management. This office is overseeing an investigation that could remove California’s right to reject federal projects along its coast.

This investigation, described as a review of California’s coastal management, is seen by experts as a cover for potential plans to allow more offshore oil drilling and other developments. There is concern that if the federal government succeeds, it could set a precedent for other coastal states.

“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,” said Maureen Ellenberger, a Santa Barbara resident, expressing fear of another oil spill. “But I’m speaking today anyway, so there’s a record. So years from now… everyone will know we fought, that we did not consent.”

The Trump administration is attempting to revoke California’s authority under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), which lets states review and object to federal projects that conflict with state policies. The CZMA has been a bipartisan framework for state and federal cooperation, working smoothly in California until now.

In May, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick accused California of blocking spaceport development in bad faith and ordered a new evaluation of the state’s compliance with the CZMA. NOAA was instructed to consider offshore oil, spaceport infrastructures, desalination, and undersea cables, citing national and economic interests.

Routine performance reviews under the CZMA are usual every five to ten years. However, the focus on specific industries and the political nature of this review, initiated via social media, stand out. California had recently passed a regular review during Biden’s administration with high marks for agencies like the California Coastal Commission and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.

Monday marked the start of the new review with the only in-person public hearing during a 45-day comment period, followed by two virtual hearings. So far, over 15,000 people have submitted written comments. Surfers, scientists, business owners, and community activists, among others, spoke out against the federal review.

The crowd displayed signs such as “NO FEDERAL TAKEOVER” and expressed their appreciation for the California coastline. Each speaker was met with applause, demonstrating a shared pride in their state’s effective coastal management.

Environmental leaders emphasized the necessity of the CZMA for maintaining dialogue between the state and federal governments. Kate Huckelbridge of the Coastal Commission expressed hope that the review was not an excuse to limit California’s input on offshore projects.

Since the 1970s, the Coastal Commission has aligned with federal actions 96% of the time out of more than 3,700 cases, said Huckelbridge. Current and former officials questioned the atypical timing and process of this review, with Jack Ainsworth calling it unprecedented.

Following this week’s hearings, any concerns raised should allow California to respond and engage in discussions. The process should involve multiple opportunities for negotiation under the law.

Outside the hearing, environmentalists, Congress members, Indigenous leaders, and business groups rallied. Toni Cordero of the Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples highlighted the importance of caring for the coast and its inhabitants, emphasizing cultural and environmental significance.

California’s Secretary for Natural Resources, Wade Crowfoot, reinforced the state’s opposition to federal intervention. “We stand in strong solidarity with everyone here today — whether you’re a tribal government, a local government, a conservation organization or just somebody that likes to get out and be on a beach that’s safe and healthy, we are making our voices heard,” he stated.