Tuesday, January 27, 2009
In Toll Road News...
Surfrider attended the recent TCA board meeting to learn toll road developers have decided not to currently pursue litigation against the Federal government for the Secretary of Commerce decision. TCA Board of Directors indicated they will reach out to "stakeholders" to work on finding traffic solutions. This is very interesting news....check out their press release.
http://www.thetollroads.com/home/news_press_jan_09.htm
Surfrider and our coalition partners will continue to monitor efforts by the TCA and we will keep you informed as we go along.
In the meantime, help us celebrate! Go to http://www.savetrestles.org/ to learn more about our Feb 6th party.
http://www.thetollroads.com/home/news_press_jan_09.htm
Surfrider and our coalition partners will continue to monitor efforts by the TCA and we will keep you informed as we go along.
In the meantime, help us celebrate! Go to http://www.savetrestles.org/ to learn more about our Feb 6th party.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Joint Ocean Commission Initiative West Coast Report
A national report was released today to West Coast local and state elected officials with specific recommendations to better protect our oceans and coasts.
One Coast, One Future: Securing the Health of West Coast Ecosystems and Economies
Released by the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative (JOCI), a national bipartisan voice for ocean policy reform, the Report 'One Coast, One Future' identifies priority actions for elected officials to promote the health of coastal and ocean ecosystems, which our West Coast communities depend on.
The reports recommendations address a number of priorities of Surfrider Foundation including: water quality; shoreline preservation; marine debris; nearshore science; stakeholder/ community participation; and ecosystem-based management.
Requested by 19 elected officials from California, Oregon and Washington State, the report provides a fantastic opportunity to engage key decision-makers in ocean and coastal stewardship.
Please think about the local & state elected officials that you know that would be interested in this report, and then share with them through any means possible! For more info on the initiative how to get involved with outreach to your community leaders please contact Stefanie Sekich: ssekich@surfrider.org
Labels: JOCI
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Statewide Plastic Bag Fee - Part Deux
California State Assembly Member Julia Brownley recently introduced AB 68 in an effort to regulate the rampant consumption and littering of single-use plastic bags. This first version of the bill proposes a 25 cent fee on plastic bags to be imposed on a statewide level in large grocery stores and convenience stores by 2010. The fee is intended to encourage shoppers to use reusable shopping bags. Revenue generated from the fee will be dedicated to litter prevention and abatement efforts that will eventually save the state and municipalities millions of dollars in clean up costs.
This bill is very similar to AB 2058 (Levine) which was introduced to the California legislature last year, which made it out of the Assembly and almost out of the Senate. With even more support from local municipalities and the environmental community, along with the backing of the California Ocean Protection Council through their legislative recommendation, this year's AB 68 is expected to move swiftly to the Governor's desk for approval this year.
For more information, see http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0051-0100/ab_68_bill_20081212_introduced.html
