California Challenges Federal Review Of Coastal Protections

CALIFORNIA — California has formally challenged a federal review that could affect the state's authority to shape offshore drilling, pipelines, and other development along its 1,100-mile coastline.

The California Natural Resources Agency submitted formal comments opposing the federal government's review of the California Coastal Management Program, arguing the action could undermine a nearly 50-year federal-state partnership that gives California a voice in projects affecting its coast.

The state also urged Californians to submit comments to the federal government by Aug. 22.

The U.S. Department of Commerce directed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in May to conduct the review. NOAA had completed its regularly scheduled evaluation of California's program in 2025.

State officials contend the new review represents an unprecedented attempt by the Trump administration to weaken California's oversight as the federal government considers expanded offshore oil drilling, pipeline projects, desalination, undersea cables, deep seabed mining, spaceport development, and other coastal projects.

"Trump is threatening California's coast in pursuit of reckless offshore oil and gas extraction to pad the wallets of his corrupt oil cronies," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. "We won't stand by while Trump sidelines the people who rely on and care for California's coast."

The federal review seeks public input on how California administers its Coastal Management Program, which operates under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.

California has used the program for nearly five decades to review federal actions affecting its coastline and negotiate changes intended to protect public access, coastal communities, wildlife, natural resources, and other state interests.

California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot characterized the review as a direct challenge to the state's role in coastal decisions.

"They are targeting California and working to remove states' rights to have a say in what happens to our coast," Crowfoot said. "It's that simple. This represents the most alarming threat to our coast in decades."

The federal government has framed the review differently. When the Commerce Department announced it in May, officials said they wanted to examine whether California's implementation of the program complied with federal law and adequately considered national interests.

The dispute comes after NOAA's 2025 evaluation found California was effectively implementing its Coastal Management Program, according to state officials.

California also pointed to the Coastal Commission's record in federal project reviews. During the past 48 years, the commission reviewed more than 3,700 federal actions and either approved projects as submitted or negotiated changes in 96 percent of cases, according to the state.

"In almost every case, we work successfully with federal agencies to make sure Californians' voice is heard through these projects," California Coastal Commission Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge said.

State officials argue that reopening an evaluation so soon after the previous review could establish a precedent extending beyond California.

"If reviews can be reopened without clear reasons or established process, every coastal state has reason to be concerned about the precedent that sets," Coastal States Organization Executive Director Derek Brockbank said.

The fight also carries economic implications. California officials value the state's coastal economy at $51 billion and argue predictable environmental regulations help businesses, communities, and investors make long-term decisions.

"Strong environmental protections create certainty, and certainty is good for business," Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development Director Dee Dee Myers said.

NOAA held an in-person public meeting Aug. 10 in Santa Monica and virtual meetings Aug. 11 and Aug. 12 as part of its evaluation.

The federal government will continue accepting written comments through Aug. 22.

Residents, Tribal governments, local officials, businesses, fishermen, scientists, conservation organizations, and others can submit comments through the Federal Register.

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