Organizations submit letter supporting national marine sanctuary and offshore wind in California

Six group coalition submits letter calling on NOAA to maintain full Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary boundaries, while supporting offshore wind development

Robert Schwemmer at NOAA | Public Domain
Point Conception, traditionally known by the Chumash people of the region as the "Western Gate," juts out where northern, cold water currents meet southern counter currents from the subtropics.
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Photo by Steven King | TPIN

Dear Mr. Paul Michel,

We represent a coalition of environmental groups, environmental justice groups, and local elected officials standing together in steadfast support of California going big on offshore wind. We work together with shared urgency around the importance of tapping into more clean energy for our cutting-edge state, as well as local, skilled and trained jobs.

We noticed recent debate about the boundary of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, and NOAA’s proposed alternatives to reduce the sanctuary’s size by 2,000 square miles, eliminate connectivity with other national marine sanctuaries, and exclude cultural sites in Morro Bay. These alternatives, that would cut into the size of this critical sanctuary, have been promoted under the justification that the full sanctuary would hinder offshore wind infrastructure development like transmission cables.

In fact, the creation of the sanctuary need not prevent offshore wind from being developed in the proposed Morro Bay Wind Energy Area. There is a precedent for submarine cables for other utility needs being laid inside marine sanctuaries, and NOAA should establish a clear process in the sanctuary regulations for permitting electric transmission cables, for this sanctuary and potentially for other sanctuaries down the line.

We urge you to maintain the original boundaries of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and to find a way to permit transmission needs for offshore wind within the sanctuary. Moreover, we urge NOAA to determine a process to permit transmission cables essential for offshore wind development without weakening protections for critical ocean habitat.

Ocean protections and offshore wind development need not be at odds with each other. California deserves both a thriving marine ecosystem and a robust offshore wind industry that provides plentiful renewable energy and green jobs throughout the state. NOAA should figure out a way to deliver on both of these priorities going forward.

Sincerely

Laura Deehan

State Director

Environment California

 

Meghan Sahli-Wells

California Director

Elected Officials Protecting America

 

Marc Victoria

Senior Statewide Organizer

The Climate Center

 

Fran Pavley

Environmental Policy Director

USC Schwarzenegger Institute

 

Ben Smith

Senior Campaigner

Greenpeace USA

 

Eddie Anh

Executive Director

Brightline Defense

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Authors

Laura Deehan

State Director, Environment California

Laura directs Environment California's work to tackle global warming, protect the ocean and fight for clean air, clean water, open spaces and a livable planet. Laura stepped into the State Director role in January, 2021 and has been on staff for over twenty years. She has led campaigns to make sure California goes big on offshore wind and to get lead out of school drinking water. As the Environment California Field Director, she worked to get California to go solar, ban single use plastic grocery bags and get on track for 100% clean energy. Laura lives with her family in Richmond, California where she enjoys hiking, yoga and baking.

Steven King

Clean Energy Advocate, Environment California

Steven leads Environment California’s campaigns to increase clean, renewable energy throughout the Golden State, spearheading efforts to transition away from dangerous fossil fuels and address climate change. Steven lives in Los Angeles where he enjoys spending time outdoors, watching his favorite L.A. sports teams, and playing the trombone.