July 22, 2026
The Trump Adminsitration Is Attempting to Undermine Californiaʻs Coastal Zone Management Act
The California economy and oublic health rely on healthy ecosystems to thrive. Scroll below and take action to safeguard Californiaʻs oversight of federal coastal development and oil extraction. Tell NOAA that the Coastal Zone Management Program is critical to protect the health and economic vitality of coastal communities
The Trump administration has been critical of environmental laws and review that keep our coastline and communities safe. These laws are not obstructionist but create safeguards that prevent environmental damage from offshore oil production, spaceport development, undersea cables, and other projects that could severely harm our coast.
In the past, under the Coastal Zone Management Act, states and the federal government have entered a voluntary partnership to manage coastal areas. In California, this has resulted in our Coastal Management Program, which gives our coastal agencies—the Coastal Commission, Coastal Conservancy, and San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission—the ability to review federal projects that could impact our coast.
This authority is even more critical due to federal attempts to open California coastal waters to offshore oil drilling and rollbacks of national environmental laws like the ESA and Narional Environmental Quality Act.
Under the Trump administration’s direction, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has begun a review of California’s Coastal Management Program. 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.
This important oversight authority helps protect California’s coastal resources and public access, ensuring we have a voice when federal actions could impact us.
Californians cannot allow the government remove the state’s oversight authority
We can’t allow this to happen.
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.
Take Action
- Submit written comments using the form below. The more personalized, the better! You can also send comments directly to NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management (czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov). Use the subject line “Comments on Performance Evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program” and submit by 11:59 p.m. PT on August 22, 2026.
- Attend a Virtual Meeting
August 11 & 12, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT
Register Here *Due to limited capacity, NOAA requests that individuals attend only one virtual meeting - Attend the In Person Meeting in Santa Monica
August 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. PT
Pacific Ballroom, Hilton Santa Monica Hotel and Suites, 1707 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Register for public comment by sending an email to czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov by 11:59 p.m. PT on August 8, 2026. You must be physically present to comment. - Forward this Action Alert to your friends who live in California!
End an email to (Acting) Director Keelin Kulper and (Acting) Chief Josh Lott, NOAAʻs Office of Coastal Management
Suggested text below.
Dear Office of Coastal Management
I am writing in support of California’s Coastal Management Program, which works cooperatively with the federal government supporting California’s marine economy. This thriving coastal economy ver $40 billion dollars in gross domestic product (GDP) annually.
NOAA’s 2024 Marine Economy report shows that California’s marine economy has provided increased businesses, jobs, wages, and GDP over the last decade. This is a sign of a flourishing economy—not one that is being obstructed. Tourism and recreation employ the largest sector of marine economy workers and produce almost half its GDP. People flock to California because of its plentiful coastal access points and healthy environment, which are all maintained and improved through California’s Coastal Management Program (CCMP).
Importantly, the CCMP has concurred with the majority of federal projects it reviews—including spaceport infrastructure and undersea cables. And, even during the few instances where the state disagrees, the federal government has the ability to override that decision and proceed with its project regardless.
The federal-state partnership fostered by the Coastal Zone Management Act allows crucial state expertise to improve projects that could have harmful unintended consequences for California’s valuable coastal resources and economy. The CCMP has provided the opportunity for federal projects to be modified to mitigate negative impacts to working waterfronts, commercial fishing, coastal habitats, water quality, and more. This has ensured California’s vital coastal economy functions effectively, not only for the benefit of Californians, but for the entire country and its national priorities.
NOAA’s 2025 draft review of the CCMP found that it was working efficiently and as intended. This program places California, and the United States, on the world stage of coastal conservation and economic development.
Federal resources and staff time should be used to continue support for this important federal-state partnership rather than on a premature, unnecessary review.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments.