FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09/16/2009
CONTACT: Alexis Henry, Communications Manager
Direct (949) 732-6413 / Office (949) 492-8170
email: ahenry@surfrider.org
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE WORK-AROUNDS FAIL MULTIPLE TIMES
Legislative Attempts To Subvert California’s Independent Resource Agencies Prove Unsuccessful
In the final days of the past legislative session, California state legislators attempted three separate work-arounds to cut “deals” with developers and circumvent proper environmental regulations. Fortunately, Surfrider Foundation members and the people of California spoke swiftly and loudly to stop these attempts. The message was sent loud and clear - last minute efforts to undermine our independent resource agencies and our environmental safeguards are unacceptable.
“The overwhelming public opposition to these deceitful attempts to undermine California’s independent agencies and commissions, sends a strong message to our legislators that last minute deals to sell out our coastal environment will not be tolerated,” says Surfrider Foundation’s Environmental Director Chad Nelsen.
First, the Governor tried to force language into special budget legislation to create a new Governor-appointed board for the sole purpose of overriding the State Land Commission’s denial of the PXP Tranquillion Ridge project and to approve new oil drilling off the Santa Barbara coast. This passed the State Senate but was rejected by the California State Assembly by a vote of 43-30.
Next, Senator Kehoe tried to override the Coastal Commission and use legislation to extend a coastal development permit for a desalination plant in San Diego County. It was withdrawn in part due to overwhelming public opposition.
Finally, Assembly Minority Leader Sam Blakeslee tried again to override the State Land Comission’s denial of the PXP Tranquillion Ridge project by gutting and amending AB 1536 in the last days of the legislative session. Due to overwhelming opposition, AB 1536 died in committee on the last day of the session.
Thanks to countless calls, emails, and letters of opposition from hundreds of local, state and national environmental groups, these attempts were all defeated. It has been an amazing example of the solidarity of the Surfrider Foundation membership, our partners in the environmental community, and all Californians, to ensure nobody is exempt from the laws to protect our coast and ocean.
“California’s environmental laws and the state agencies established to enforce them were put in place to protect the coastal environment for the benefit of California’s citizens” says Surfrider Foundation Legal Manager Angela Howe. “Surfrider Foundation activists will remain vigilant to stop any special legislation that undermines the protection of our natural environment.”
The Surfrider Foundation
is a non-profit grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Now in its 25th year, the Surfrider Foundation has grown from a small group of dedicated surfers in Malibu, California to a global movement made up of over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information visit us at www.surfrider.org.
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