Sep 6, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC (September 6, 2024) – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced a Final Environmental Impact Statement proposing the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. The new sanctuary will safeguard this unique and irreplaceable ecosystem along 116 miles of California’s coast from offshore oil expansion, acoustic testing, and other threats, while generating an estimated $23 million in economic activity and 600 new jobs for the local community.
Jasmin Graham, Executive Director, Minorities in Shark Science, stated: “I am deeply grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and the Northern Chumash Tribal Council for their unwavering commitment to preserving our marine ecosystems. Publishing the final management plan for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is a monumental achievement that honors the rich cultural heritage of the Chumash people and protects vital marine habitats. This sanctuary will serve as a beacon of hope and a model for future conservation efforts. Thank you for your dedication to safeguarding our oceans for generations to come.”
Angelo Villagomez, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress, stated: “This sanctuary honors the rich cultural heritage of the Chumash people and underscores a commitment to protecting our precious ocean resources for future generations. This is also an important step toward conserving 30 percent of the ocean in the United States. This is a moment of healing for our planet, but also for Indigenous communities around the world who have shown their support for this effort.”
Jenna Valente, Director of Advocacy, Healthy Ocean Coalition, stated: “I am thrilled to congratulate the Biden-Harris administration and the Northern Chumash Tribal Council on this important milestone for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This incredible achievement is a testament to your dedication to preserving our natural and cultural heritage. The sanctuary will play a crucial role in protecting marine biodiversity and supporting the resilience of our coastal communities. Thank you for your visionary leadership and for championing the cause of ocean conservation.”
As required by the National Environmental Policy Act, NOAA must wait 30 days after publication of the final environmental impact statement before making its final decision on designation. Following the 30 days, should NOAA decide to designate the sanctuary, the agency will release the final regulations and final management plan.
About Us:
The America the Beautiful for All Coalition is the largest and most representative national coalition consisting of more than 250 organizations working collectively to advance the national goal to protect 30% of US land, water and ocean by 2030 (30×30) and apply a Justice40 metric to that goal. These goals comprise national plans to thwart destruction of natural climate solutions; stem the loss of biodiversity; increase equitable access to nature’s benefits. Working across a range of missions, identities, communities and cultures, this coalition is leveraging the national 30×30 goal to write a new chapter of the American conservation movement where its leaders are more representative of the communities on the frontlines of these crises and where collective action leverages a range of lived and learned experience to drive community-based solutions into DC policy-making. www.americathebeautifulforall.org
