A group of California lawmakers is urging the Trump Administration to end a federal review that could threaten the state’s authority to regulate development along its coastline.
U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, and Reps. Jared Huffman and Jimmy Panetta are leading 29 other California lawmakers in opposing the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s review of the state’s Coastal Management Program under the Coastal Zone Management Act—a federally approved coastal management law that creates voluntary partnerships between the federal government and coastal states.
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced the review in May, questioning whether California is properly adhering to federal priorities under the Coastal Zone Management Act.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick accused California regulators of obstructing federal priorities, including offshore energy development and spaceport infrastructure. He specifically accused the state of repeatedly blocking development in the name of so-called “environmental extremism.”
The review comes amid ongoing disagreements between state and federal officials over development along California’s coast, including offshore oil projects and launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base on the Central Coast.
In a letter to NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs, the California lawmakers rejected Lutnick’s characterization of the state’s record. They called the review an attempt to curb California’s authority over coastal projects.
The letter pointed to the California Coastal Commission’s record under the federal law. According to the lawmakers, the commission has approved 96% of roughly 3,700 projects its reviewed since 1978.
The lawmakers also disputed the administration’s claims about space launches. They said California has only objected to two of 135 space launch and aerospace projects reviewed since 1980. Those objections involved concerns about noise, sonic booms, impacts on wildlife, and what the Coastal Commission said was insufficient information about proposed Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
In the letter, the lawmakers are asking NOAA not to revoke approval of California’s coastal program approval process or withhold federal funding. They argue the action could limit the state’s ability to work with federal agencies on coastal development and environmental impact negotiations.
The letter also says the federal government does not have the authority to revoke California’s program simply because state regulators disagree with the Trump Administration’s policy priorities. Their letter cites a 2019 NOAA decision stating that the agency cannot require a state to change its laws or coastal program, except in circumstances such as a state not adhering to the Coastal Management Program.
The lawmakers are asking NOAA, if it continues with the review, to evaluate the state based on its record under the Coastal Zone Management Act.
