Rep. Dave Min Joins California Leaders in Opposing Trump Administration Attack on Coastal Protections
Irvine, CA — Representative Dave Min (CA-47), Co-Chair of the Congressional Coastal Communities Caucus, joined federal, state, Indigenous, business, and environmental leaders in sounding the alarm over the Trump administration’s unprecedented review of California’s Coastal Management Program, warning that the effort threatens to weaken the state’s authority to protect its coastline and pave the way for expanded offshore oil drilling.
WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE
The press conference took place ahead of the Trump administration’s only public hearing for Californians to provide in-person comments on the federal review. The U.S. Department of Commerce directed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct the new review despite a previous federal evaluation concluding that California was meeting the requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act.
"Offshore oil drilling is not only a problem for our environment, but also a direct threat to California's coastal economy which generates $44 billion a year and employs over half a million people. Our coastline is a central part of who we are as Californians. That’s why an overwhelming majority of Californians, including Republicans and independents, oppose offshore drilling,” said Rep. Dave Min. “Donald Trump and Doug Burgum should respect the wishes of Californians and not cram more offshore oil drilling down our throats. I will continue to join the NRDC in leading the fight to preserve our beaches and coastlines so that future generations can enjoy them."
The Trump administration’s review comes as it works to expand offshore oil drilling off California’s coast, including new federal offshore oil and gas lease sales expected next year for the first time in more than four decades. California leaders warned that weakening the state’s coastal authority could make it easier for the administration to advance offshore drilling and other industrial projects over the objections of coastal communities.
The Coastal Zone Management Act gives coastal states “federal consistency” authority, allowing them to review and help shape federal actions that affect their shores. For decades, California has used that authority to protect public access, coastal communities, wildlife and natural resources while ensuring local and Tribal voices have a role in major federal decisions. This is what California stands to lose.
Rep. Min has made protecting California’s coastline a central priority throughout his time in public service. As a California State Senator, he chaired the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee and authored the law codifying California’s goal of conserving 30% of its lands and coastal waters by 2030. In Congress, he serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Coastal Communities Caucus and as a Member of the House Natural Resources Committee.
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