Orange County Oil Spill Update
On October 2nd Pearl Jam played their 3rd show in a week at Ohana Festival on the amazing Doheny Beach. We now know that at the same time an offshore oil pipeline was leaking thousands of gallons of crude oil just off of the coast, devastating birds, fish, wildlife, and people. Long time Pearl Jam partner Surfrider was immediately on site coordinating with state agencies and volunteer efforts.
In the following days, Surfrider called for both the California and Federal governments to do more to protect our oceans and beaches. Hearing the demands of advocates around the state, Gov. Newsome signed Senate Bill 433 by Senator Ben Allen into law on October 7th. This important bill strengthens the California Coastal Commission’s ability to hold accountable those who pollute and harm our beaches, coastal wildlife, and their habitats, including oil companies.
Surfrider is still hoping there will be another silver lining from this spill by President Biden establishing the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This designation would help honor the Indigenous peoples of Southern California. It would also permanently protect 140 miles of some of California’s most spectacular coastline, most vibrant wildlife habitat, and some of its best surf spots from all new oil and gas development.
You can support Surfrider’s work to establish the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and to protect our coastlines from any expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling by signing their petition.
All of the funds from the recent poster raffle will be going to support Surfrider’s work in Orange County. Thank you to everyone who participated and gave.