Florida Chapter ConferenceSurfrider Foundation

Aug 13-15 2010

Chapter Involvement in Outreach & Advocacy

Presentation Outline• Background (what’s the problem?)• Policy landscape

a) Federal: Exec & Legislativeb) State of Florida

• Surfrider campaign goals• Activist tools and actions• Update on Gulf of Mexico/Water Testing• Media Component• Open Discussion

Background

• 2008 – Drill, Baby Drill lost moratoria

• Bush issues 11th hour MMS Lease Plan

• Salazar reviews plan – 1 year | SF CA rally

• March 2010 – Obama opens new areas

• Gulf Spill:

– VA, Gulf & AK leases cancelled, 5 yr hearings postponed

Bush MMS proposal

Threats

• Seismic Exploration

• Drilling

• Air Pollution

• Spills

• Natural Disasters

• Global Warming

Surfrider Position Statement

Surfrider Foundation is opposed to any new offshore oil drilling. Our nation’s oceans, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that will be polluted by an increase in offshore oil drilling. Instead of advocating for transient and environmentally harmful ways to meet America’s oil needs, we should seek a comprehensive energy plan that is based on sustainability, conservation and renewable energy.

President Obama’s engagement on the issue…

• Release of 2010–2016 Leasing Plan (before BP spill)

• Reform of Minerals Management Service (MMS)

• Establish Oil Spill Commission

• 6 month moratorium on deepwater drilling

• Upcoming development of 2012–2017 OCS Leasing Plan

Federal Legislation…“No New Drilling Act of 2010” (H.R.

5248) Currently the ONLY bill in Congress that would prohibit ALL new offshore oil drilling nationwide.

Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act (HR 3534)

• Increases Regulatory Oversight & Safety Measures

• Establishes an Ocean Conservation Fund

• Provides Gulf Coast Restoration• Unlimited Liability Cap• Removes 6 month deepwater drilling

moratorium

FL State Legislation

2009 20102011

House bill passed. Senate bill stopped.

- Century Commission Report instead

2 Bills filed in House and Senate.

Incoming House & Senate Leadership Pro- Oil

- Senate President not likely to hear bill due to elections

- This will be the year to fight like hell!!

Upcoming 2012 Constitutional Amendment Petition Strategy

Chapter Involvement Circulate Action Alerts from HQ:

1. Urging President Obama to permanently protect coasts from new offshore drilling.

2. New “5 year plan” (important to help East Coast CHs and maintain political pressure)

3. CLEAR Act (offshore drilling reform).

Attend and Publicize Upcoming Federal Hearings Local Resolutions and ‘Support Letters’ from Coas

tal BusinessesCollect Petitions for State BanCall Representatives and Set up meetings

Raise Community Awareness

• Distribute NTA stickers, factsheets, and tee shirts.

• Booth events, Farmers Markets, etc

• Presentation to community groups

• Write Letters to the Editor and blog about permanent protection of coast.

• Make posters from the NTA logo and hang them around community with volunteers.

South Africa

Over 100,000 joined hands globally…

Participate Again—Hands Across the Sand 2011!

Gulf Spill Update

87 Days • 205,800,000 gallons • 68,000 miles2

• Dispersants• Underwater Plumes• Long term ecosystem impacts• Activism:

– Incident reports, water testing, legal action(?)

– Long term monitoring & restoration

“My prediction is that we will be dealing with the impacts of this spill for several decades to come …." Dr. Ed Cake, a biological oceanographer

FLORIDA PSA NTA VIDEO