Governor Lifts Suspension on Coastal Act

Immediately after the “Plains” oil spill at Refugio State Beach, the Governor issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency that excludes Coastal Commission jurisdiction.  While such proclamations are beneficial in that they provide necessary funding and resources to respond to an emergency such as this oil spill, the Governor unnecessarily suspended the California Coastal Act.  A coalition of non-profits submitted a letter to the Governor asking him to reconsider his proclamation of suspending the Coastal Act—reminding him the Refugio oil spill occurred because regulatory oversight was weakened and this is not the time to further slacken State oversight.  The Governor eventually lifted the suspension on the Coastal Act. Surfrider and partners sent him a “Thank you” note for his efforts.