Defend California’s Coast: Tell NOAA Why California’s Coastal Protections Matter
California’s coast belongs to all of us. We’ve spent decades protecting one of the most iconic coastlines in the world.
Now, those protections are under review.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is evaluating California’s Coastal Management Program – the program that gives our state the authority to review and, when necessary, object to harmful federal projects like offshore drilling, pipelines, and other activities that threaten our coast.
TAKE ACTION: You can help protect California’s coast
Written comment deadline: August 22, 2026 (11:59 pm PT)
Below are 3 actions you can take to join!
What’s happening?
NOAA is conducting a federally required evaluation of California’s Coastal Management Program under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA).
This program has allowed California to:
• Push back against harmful offshore drilling projects
• Protect marine wildlife and coastal ecosystems
• Ensure federal projects consider impacts on communities
• Balance economic development with environmental stewardship
If NOAA determines California is “out of compliance,” that state could lose federal funding and weaken one of its strongest tools for protecting our coast.
Why it matters
California’s coastal program has a proven track record.
It ensures projects move forward responsibly and avoid harms from overdevelopment.
Over the past 40 years:
• More than 135 aerospace and space launch projects have been reviewed, with only 2 objections
• Every undersea cable project reviewed over the past 30 years has been approved
• California has consistently reviewed offshore oil and gas projects for nearly 50 years
The system is working exactly as intended: supporting responsible projects while protecting our coast from those that pose unacceptable risks.
Key messages
When submitting comments, consider sharing why California’s coastal protections matter to you and your family.
• California’s coastal program works: For decades, it has approved the overwhelming majority of projects while raising concerns only when there is clear evidence of harm
• This review is unnecessary: NOAA evaluated California’s program just two years ago and found it was being successfully implemented. Another review so soon raises unnecessary uncertainty for one of the nation’s strongest coastal protection programs
• Strong state protections matter: California’s authority has helped protect our coastline from offshore drilling and other harmful federal projects. Weakening these protections would put our communities, marine life, and local economies at greater risk
• Share your story: Whether you live miles from the coast or are at the beach every day, we all depend on a healthy ocean. Share why California’s coast matters to you and why it deserves strong protections
Take Action
#1 – Submit a written comment
Keep your comment personal. NOAA wants to hear how California’s coast has impacted your life and why protecting it matters.
Deadline: August 22, 2026 (11:59 pm PT)
#2 – Speak in-person
Join the meeting in Santa Monica on August 10 to deliver your comments in person.
August 10, 2026
2:00 – 6:00 pm PT
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Pacific Ballroom
• Walk-ins are accepted, and they will be called after pre-registered speakers
• Each speaker will receive 3 minutes
The meeting will be recorded, and the transcript will be available by email request. You can follow the meeting online (no comments accepted via this channel): register for the livestream
#3 – Speak virtually
Join an online meeting on August 11 or August 12 to deliver your comments virtually.
August 11 or August 12, 2026
2:00 – 5:00 pm PT
Virtual meeting will be held via Adobe Connect
• Register by August 10, 2026 to speak
• Each speaker will receive 3 minutes
• Attendance is capped at 1,000 per session, so you will only need to attend one day.
Register to speak virtually here.
The meeting will be recorded, and the transcript will be available by email request.
Questions?
Reach out to us at gente@azul.org if you have any questions about taking action!