Huge decisions that shape our region’s water quality are often made quietly. Even when the public is invited into stakeholder processes, meaningful outreach is too often an afterthought.
That’s where Coastkeeper steps in.
When we attend public workshops or submit formal comments, we’re frequently among the only voices at the table representing the public interest rather than industry. While we’re proud to advocate for swimmable, drinkable, fishable, and sustainable waters for all, we believe decision-makers should be hearing directly from the communities these choices affect.
To help bridge the gap between complex water policy and community action, here are three active water issues happening right now that you can get involved in:
1. Proposed changes to Clean Water Act protections
The U.S. EPA has proposed revisions to the definition of “Waters of the United States.” This determines which waterways qualify for protection under the Clean Water Act, the most influential water quality law of the past 55 years. Coastkeeper submitted a formal comment letter and worked with Orange County Register editor Andre Mouchard to help bring this issue into the public eye.
Read the story, “As EPA ponders Clean Water Act, activists say business eclipsing environment,” to catch up on this issue.
2. Groundwater contamination in North Orange County
Beneath parts of Fullerton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Placentia lies the Orange County North Basin Superfund Site, a massive plume of contaminated groundwater that has forced the closure of six drinking water wells, impacting water supply for an estimated 44,000 residents each year.
The U.S. EPA has released an interim cleanup plan and is hosting public workshops to gather community input. Meetings are happening tonight in Buena Park, tomorrow in Fullerton, and next week in Anaheim.
Read more about the Superfund site and find full meeting details in this OC Register story.
3. Public comment deadline on offshore oil drilling expansion
This Friday, January 23, is the deadline to submit public comments opposing the federal government’s plan to expand offshore oil drilling in California.
Offshore drilling threatens marine ecosystems, coastal economies, and taxpayers, while benefiting a single special interest. Rather than addressing aging infrastructure and unresolved liabilities from existing platforms, this proposal doubles down on a harmful and outdated approach.
Now is the time to speak up. If you’d like inspiration for your comment, click here to read why leaders like Congressman Dave Min, Supervisor Katrina Foley, and Coastkeeper’s Ray Hiemstra are opposing the plan.
As always, Coastkeeper will continue fighting for clean, accessible water for everyone. Whether you donate, volunteer, or raise your voice, we couldn’t do this work without you.
