Email,
We know that the news cycle has been a lot to bear recently. So we are especially stoked to share a wholesome, positive update:
This week, Surfrider volunteers from Alaska to the Great Lakes to Puerto Rico—28 states and territories in all—are meeting with their representatives in Congress to advocate for the protection of our ocean, waves, and beaches. Over the past 10 years, Surfrider’s Coastal Recreation Hill Day has engaged more than 1,000 advocates with their representatives in Congress, the White House, and the agencies tasked with protecting our coasts.
Currently there are a record 185 people registered for this year's event.
These chapter and student club volunteers, Surfrider staff, and partner representatives will be advocating for three priorities:
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Increased funding for water quality monitoring on our coasts,
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Investment in vital coastal management and research programs, and
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Opposition to the expansion of oil and gas leasing in U.S. waters.
One of the most important ways our federal leaders support coastal ecosystems and communities is by funding programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Environmental Protection Agency. Surfrider is continuously advocating for agency funding for robust water quality monitoring so you know when it’s safe to swim, in addition to increased funding for key programs that enhance coastal resilience, protect habitat, and provide critical research.
And we have done so with incredible success, year after year. But the fight continues. Another round of cuts to these programs is being proposed. So we are going to do something about it.
If you can’t join us this Coastal Recreation Hill Day, you can still advocate for America’s coasts and ocean. Send a message to your elected federal officials today and tell Congress to pass a budget worth swimming in! Here’s how:
Head to Surfrider’s “Take Action” webpage to sign action alerts opposing offshore oil drilling, increasing funding for EPA-backed water testing, and strengthening NOAA’s coastal management and research programs.
