Our Coast on the Line: Why Santa Cruz Must Fight New Offshore Drilling

Our beloved Santa Cruz county coastline is facing a serious threat! The federal government is actively considering new oil and gas leases off the California coast, including areas within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

What’s Proposed and Why It Matters

According to leaked federal documents, waters off California could be opened to new drilling leases as soon as 2027.

These plans threaten our marine ecosystems, local economy, and coastal lifestyle. In Santa Cruz County, where beach access, surfing, marine research, and tourism define our identity, the stakes are high.

Surfrider Role in the Fight

The Surfrider Foundation and Santa Cruz Chapter oppose offshore drilling.

We are mobilizing: monitoring state and federal policy, preparing outreach materials, rallying volunteers, and keeping our community informed.

How You Can Take Action — Right Here & Right Now

1. Stay informed

• Join our next information session: 
  Monday, November 24
  4:45-5:45pm
  Capitola Library
  Register here: https://x.gldn.io/e/FAo0SRMkfYb
• Attend our monthly Policy Committee meetings:
  4th Monday every month
  6:00 – 7:00pm
  Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/uer-wiwj-tui
• Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates right in your inbox.
• Read campaign updates on Surfrider and our local blog.

2. Spread the word

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
• Share posts.
• Talk to your family, friends, co-works, everyone!

3. Sign & distribute postcards/flyers

If you have a printer, please print these documents and hand them out: 

• Santa Cruz Flyer Large
• Santa Cruz Flyer Small
• Surfrider Offshore Oil Drilling Fact Sheet
• Surfrider One-Pager Flyer

4. Sign the online petition

• Click here to sign the petition. It takes just seconds.

5. Contact decision makers

Write/email (see draft below) the following leaders to let them know you oppose new offshore drilling and expect bold local leadership.

Here’s a draft to get you started, but feel free to write in your own words to make it more personal:

Dear [LEADER NAME],

I’m reaching out as a Santa Cruz resident and someone who cares deeply about our coastline. I urge you to support legislation that permanently bans new offshore oil and gas drilling in California’s coastal waters.

Offshore drilling threatens our community in many ways — from the risk of oil spills and toxic discharges to long-term climate impacts. Protecting our coast is not just about the environment; it’s about preserving the culture, recreation, and livelihoods that make Santa Cruz unique.

Please: 
Support legislation to ban new offshore drilling, and
Advocate for the decommissioning of aging offshore rigs.

Personal Impact:

[ADD YOUR OWN PERSONAL STORY HERE — how would new offshore drilling affect your life, work, or connection to our ocean? Your voice matters and sharing your experience strengthens our message.]

Thank you for your dedication to our community and for standing up for our coast.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Optional: Contact info]

Why This Matters Now

Drilling proposals are moving fast. If leases are offered, it may be too late to reverse course.  By mobilizing now — in Santa Cruz and beyond — we stand a real chance of blocking this threat before it becomes reality.

Together, we protect what we love: our waves, our wildlife, our coast. Join us in saying loudly and clearly — No new offshore drilling for Santa Cruz County.

Thank you for your support,

Surfrider Foundation Santa Cruz Chapter