Surfrider Foundation Washington

SSA Marine Challenged for Violoting Clean Water Act

2011-12-12T14:54:00.000-08:00

Today, RE Sources announced that they filed suit against SSA Marine for Clean Water Act violations at Cherry Point.

“SSA Marine knowingly flaunted an array of county, state, and federal regulations when they built roads damaging forests and wetlands last summer,” said Bob Ferris, executive director of RE Sources. “And now they want immediate forgiveness for creating impacts that could take decades to recover. That is simply unacceptable.”

SSA cleared nine acres of forest and wetlands at Cherry Point without permits. This work was exploration for their proposed mega coal export terminal just north of Bellingham. Protests against the terminal from local communities and leaders are gaining momentum across the state as the evidence increases demonstrating the harm the project will have on our health and the environment.

photo: sierraactivist.org

Seattle Introduces Bag Ban!

2011-11-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

On Monday, November 21, Seattle City Council introduced legislation to ban single use plastic bags -- very exciting news for oceans and coasts!

Plastic bags make up over 10 percent of the debris littering the U.S. coastline. Like all plastic, these bags never go away.

The Seattle Times endorsed the bag ban. Read full story.

Council Bill 117345 will help clean up Puget Sound and our oceans by removing 292 million plastic bags from the waste stream every year. Modeled on the Bellingham ordinance, which passed this July, the measure would ban single use plastic bags and place a 5 cent fee on paper bags.

Show your support for the bag ban at an upcoming public hearing:

Seattle City Council Public Hearing on Plastic Bags Legislation
Monday, December 5
5:30pm
Council Chambers, City Hall, 2nd Floor
600 Fourth Ave

Push for Seattle Plastic Bag Ban

2011-11-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

The Seattle Times reported today on a push for Seattle City Council to ban single use plastics bags. Full story.

Yesterday, Julie Masura, a faculty member at the University of Washington Tacoma's Center for Urban Waters, spoke at a press conference overlooking Puget Sound. She has been doing research on plastics in the Sound. Her work discovered small pieces of plastic in every water sample taken in Puget Sound.

Environment Washington featured her research in a new report, Keeping Plastic Out of Puget Sound: Why Washington should Join the Global Movement to Reduce Plastic Bag Pollution.

In Seattle, consumers use 292 million plastic bags every year. It's time for Seattle to join Portland, Bellingham, China and numerous other cities, counties and countries who have banned the bag.

Contact Seattle City Council and ask them to BAN THE BAG.

Chance to help Puget Sound

2011-09-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

Right now is a unique opportunity to help clean up the waters of Puget Sound! With your help, we can strengthen water quality testing programs and make plastic pollution in our ocean and on our beaches a priority for the clean up of Puget Sound.

WHAT: Comment on the 2011 update to the Puget Sound Action Agenda – the plan to recover Puget Sound by 2020. The actions in this plan set the course for collective recovery efforts including the work of government agencies, non-profit organizations and businesses.

HOW: Attend a public open house.
Public open houses are a great opportunity to learn about the clean up Puget Sound and give input on how to support clean water for recreational users. Here are some key points that Surfrider Foundation is making:

Support Clean Water for recreation!

Expand water quality testing programs to include winter months. Yes, we paddle and swim in the winter, the most likely time for storm induced run-off events that pollute our waters.
Clean up polluted sites threatening water quality in Puget Sound, including the Port Angeles Landfill and the Warmhouse Beach Dump.
Make plastic pollution a priority. Plastics are not only strangling marine wildlife, but are being ingested by mammals, birds, and the fish that we eat.

WHEN/ WHERE:

Mill Creek: Monday, October 3, from 4:30 – 7:00PM Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mill Creek Regional Office, 16018 Mill Creek Boulevard
Poulsbo: Tuesday, October 4, from 4:30 – 7:00PM Poulsbo City Council Chamber in City Hall, 200 Northeast Moe St
Mount Vernon: Monday October 10, from 4:30 – 7:00PM Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 10441 Bayview-Edison Road
Olympia: Tuesday, October 11 from 4:30 – 7:00PM LOTT Clean Water Alliance, 500 Adams Street NE
San Juans: Wednesday, October 19 aboard the interisland ferry. Depart Anacortes at 9:30AM. Depart Friday Harbor 11:35AM. Arrive Friday Harbor 5:10PM. Arrive Anacortes 7:50PM

For details on the Action Agenda: http://www.psp.wa.gov/

photo: Fred Felleman

"Bag It" playing in Wallingford Sept 9th

2011-09-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

Join PCC, Zero Waste, Seattle City Council Member Mike O'Brien and others for a special showing of "Bag It" and help kick off a great campaign to ban plastic bags in Seattle...

Friday Night at the Meaningful Movies: BAG-IT...the movie about Bags and Plastic and the Environment.

WHEN: Friday, September 9, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: 5019 Keystone Place North, Keystone Congregational Church 1/2 block north of NE 50th in Wallingford. Metro bus 16, 26, 44

FREE. donations kindly accepted. Hall capacity about 200 so get there early for a seat!

Bag-It is followed by a post-film discussion with PCC Sustainability and Public Affairs Directors Diane Crane and Trudy Bialic, Heather Trim from Zero Waste Seattle, Seattle City Council Member Mike O'Brien, Dick Lilly from Seattle Public Utilities, and Jill McIntyre Witt of Bag-Free Bellingham. Be in on the start of a successful Bag-Free Seattle Campaign!

Bellingham bans single use plastic bags

2011-07-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, Bellingham joined a growing list of cities across the country reducing consumption of single use plastic shopping bags. With strong support from the local community including grocery stores, the Bellingham City Council voted unanimously to ban plastic shopping bags and impose a 5 cent fee on paper. Huge thanks to the volunteers, including the Surfrider Foundation's Northwest Straits Chapter, for making this happen.

Now, let's do it in Seattle.

Read more in the Bellingham Herald.

National Ocean Council listening session in WA June 27th

2011-06-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

The National Ocean Council (NOC) has announced a series of listening sessions to be held around the country on the new National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Coasts, and Great Lakes. This policy was established by President Obama through an executive order in July 2010 and is currently being implemented through the National Ocean Council. The upcoming listening sessions provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the National Ocean Policy and provide input on strategic action plans being developed for each of the nine priority objectives. The meetings also are a great venue to highlight local Surfrider priorities that could benefit from federal or regional support.

The Washington listening meeting is on June 27, in Ocean Shores at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Oppose Fast Track Offshore Drilling Bills

2011-05-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Take Action to Defend Your Coast

Please tell Congress to oppose legislation that would fast track new offshore drilling in our ocean waters. The House of Representatives is currently considering three bills (H.R. 1229, 1230, and 1231) that would recklessly accelerate the leasing process and mandate new drilling in sensitive ocean areas off virtually every coast. Take fast action now.

The Coal Hard Truth Forum

2011-04-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Join community members at the Coal Hard Truth Forum and learn about the campaign to protect Bellingham and communities across Washington from the dirty and dangerous coal industry.

When: Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00 pm

Where: Bellingham Public Library (210 Central Avenue, Bellingham).

Who: Dan Pike, Mayor of Bellingham; Jean Melious, former Whatcom County Planning Commissioner; Robin Everett, Sierra Club; Matt Krogh, ReSources

Learn about:

The regional picture of coal use and the health impacts of coal

What the Cherry Point terminal proposal will mean for Bellingham, for the State of Washington and for the global community.

Explore better alternatives and what you can do to make Washington Coal-Free!

For more information contact Llyn Doremus at llynadele@yahoo.com
Robin Everett at 206-378-0114 x308 or robin.everett@sierraclub.org

Proposed mega coal terminal debated at City Club

2011-04-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, April27th, SSA Marine and ReSources for Sustainble Communities debated the contentious proposal to construct a mega coal export terminal in the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve north of Bellingham. Surfrider Foundation Northwest Straits Chapter was there among an audience of 400. Bad on climate, water quality, and access to the coast, the project is strongly opposed by the local chapter and community members of Bellingham.

Read more about the first public debate on the Cherry Point mega coal terminal:
Crosscut, Bellingham's first debate on coal-for-China project reflects growing tensions
Seattle P-I, Shipping coal to China: A big export terminal north of Bellingham?

Governor Gregoire signs bill to improve oil spill response programs

2011-04-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today, on the one-year anniversary of the Gulf Oil Spill, Governor Gregoire will sign into law House Bill 1186 to strengthen Washington oil spill preparedness programs.

The Gulf spill was a sad reminder that these catastrophic events happen and that it is essential to be prepared, especially in Washington State where over 4000 vessels transport oil in and out of Puget Sound and along our coast every year.

HB 1186 will expand state programs to train volunteers, require regular oil spill drills and equip commercial fisherman to be first responders so that we are prepared in the event of a major oil spill. The bill also tasks the state Department of Ecology to improve requirements on oil tankers and other vessels traveling through state waters to stockpile state-of-the-art oil spill response equipment.

Huge thanks to Surfrider chapters and activists who generated letters, emails and phone calls to the legislator. And to People for Puget Sound who lead this initiative and have been a longtime champion on oil spill policies for Washington. This bill never would have moved without champions in the legislator – Rep. Christine Rolfes (Bainbridge Island), Rep. Zack Hudgins (Tukwila) and Sen Kevin Ranker (San Juan).

"Bag It" Playing In Bellingham

2011-04-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Bag It Bellingham, a local effort to reduce single-use bags, are proud to present a Premiere Community-Wide Screening of award winning film, "Bag It" tonight on the PAC Main stage from 7-9 pm. Please visit our Surfrider table there!

Check out the event on faceboook.

WWU Performing Arts Center
Friday, April 1, 7-9pm doors open 6:30 pm.
Reserved Pay lot parking in 14G and 11G available
$7 for Adults, $3 for Students, Seniors, Kids

Find us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/bagitbellingham
Read updates at: www.bagitbellingham.blogspot.com

Surfrider Foundation Japan Update

2011-03-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Chapter Leaders,

We have been in contract with Hideyasu Kato from SF Japan to ask how we can best support them. He told us that things are changing and evolving so rapidly at this point that it is not clear how we can help. He did imply that there is going to be work to do for many years so our support might be better served once the initial disaster settles down. We'll continue to maintain regular contact with our friends in Japan and provide updates regarding future support in conjunction with their efforts. For the time being the best thing is for us to keep them in our thoughts and they all appreciate your concern throughout this horrific tragedy. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Edward Mazzarella
Director of Chapters
Surfrider Foundation

Mega coal terminal threatens coastal waters

2011-03-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

Proposed coal terminal threatens sensitive ecosystems, public health, and coastal waters. Please read and sign onto RE Sources' position statement regarding the coal export facility proposed for Cherry Point in Ferndale, Washington.

read more:
Bellingham Herald
People for Puget Sound

Oil spill bill passed the House with bipartisan support

2011-03-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

HB 1186 to strengthen Washington's oil spills program passed out of the House by a vote of 62-35. Huge thanks to legislators championing this bill and to everyone who contacted their representatives and asked for their support. Now the bill is in the Senate and again, we will need your help to let Senators know how important this bill is for Washington's marine waters.

Sponsored by Rep. Christine Rolfes, from Bainbridge Island, HB 1186 bill will:
• Improve funding for the Department’s Oil Spill Program, which is currently running a multi-million dollar deficit.
• Strengthen requirements for stockpiling appropriate spills response equipment to ensure that we are ready for a large spill in Puget Sound and on the coast.
• Expand spill response “drill” program to test assumptions made in our spill response plans and to better train responders.
• Train, equip, and drill commercial fishermen for oils spill response to increase the region’s response capacities.

500 advocates went to Olympia for the environment

2011-02-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

For Environmental Lobby Day, 500 activists traveled to Olympia to tell legislators that clean water, air and land are priorities for Washington.

Get the full story in the Seattle Times, Citizen lobbyists rally to protect environmental progress.

Activists lobbied on behalf of the four 2011 environmental legislative priorities, including the 2011 Clean Water Jobs Act to tackle stormwater pollution.

You can take action on behalf of clean water too, right from your computer, just click here for the priorities website.

Should public be allowed to walk across private tidelands?

2011-02-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

On Watching Our Water Ways, Christopher Dunagan is asking this very question with a poll. Learn more and give your answer at Watching Our Water Ways.

Puget Sound water quality deteriorates with heavy rains

2011-01-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

the latest news on Puget Sound water quality:

"Not that many would chose to swim this time of year, but the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) cautions against it...."

Seattle Times: "Runoff turns Elliott Bay into murky stew"

and

KPLU News: "Stormwater runoff: A flood of crud" by Liam Moriarty

TALKING TRASH - January 27th

2011-01-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

From electronics to groceries to holiday gifts, excess packaging is not just annoying—it hurts your wallet AND the environment. What can we do about it? Come hear from a panel of local innovators working to curb packaging waste and then share your own experience and ideas for policies on waste reduction in Seattle.
This will be the first in a series of discussions co-sponsored by Pacific Science Center and Seattle City Council that gather community input on different aspects of the City Council’s priority issue of carbon neutrality.

Educational activities provided by Pacific Science Center’s Science On Wheels for children ages 5 and up whose caregivers attend the forum. Registration required for kids’ activities. Light dinner and refreshments provided for forum attendees.

When: Thursday, January 27, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Info fair at 6 p.m., forum begins at 6:30 p.m.

Where: NewHolly Gathering Hall,
NewHolly Campus Family Building,
7054 32nd Avenue South, Seattle

How to register: This event is FREE but space is limited. Reserve your spot by registering today at pacificsciencecenter.org or (206)443-2896.

Request interpretation: esther.handy@seattle.gov or (206) 684-8800

Featured speakers: Manager of corporate sustainability, Costco
Dominic Muren, Lecturer in Industrial Design, University of Washington
Small local business representative

Systemic Failures in Risk Management by BP, Halliburton, and Transocean

2011-01-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

"The immediate causes of the Macondo well blowout can be traced to a series of identifiable mistakes made by BP, Halliburton, and Transocean that reveal such systematic failures in risk management that they place in doubt the safety culture of the entire industry." - excerpt from the new report by the bipartisan National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Spill and Offshore Drilling. Read the just-released report.

Preparing For A Large Oil Spill In Washington State:
A coalition of stakeholder groups comprised of local elected officials, shellfish growers, fishermen, recreation, conservation, and tourism interests, are working to advance policy changes focused on strengthening Washington State's oil spill preparedness, prevention and response program to make sure we have enough spill equipment and personnel ready to respond to a major spill in our waters. In addition, the campaign seeks to fully fund the state's oil spill program which is currently woefully underfunded.

Several policy changes are needed to ensure that Washington is well prepared for a major spill, including:

• Improve funding for the Department’s Oil Spill Program, which is currently running a multi-million dollar deficit.

• Strengthen requirements for stockpiling appropriate spills response equipment in Washington to ensure that we have equipment on hand to respond in rough seas, fast currents, darkness and fog, and other challenging environments. Ensure that we are ready for a large spill in Puget Sound and the Pacific coast.

• Expand spill response “drill” program to test assumptions made in our spill response plans and to better train responders.

• Train, equip, and drill commercial fishermen for oils spill response to increase the region’s response capacities.

Water... in the news and a priority for Washington

2011-01-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

"Stormwater is a top legislative priority for Washington environmental groups, and the emphasis is reflected in the 2011 Clean Water Jobs Act they will promote in Olympia this session. Mo McBroom, policy director for the Washington Environmental Council, articulates the need for investments in infrastructure to deal with stormwater runoff. A bonus is substantial job creation.”

See full column
Basic Survival: water supply and quality
Lance Dickie / Seattle Times editorial columnist

If you're interested in policy, don't miss:
Environmental Priorities Coalition Legislative Workshop
When: Saturday, January 8th, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Where: Seattle Pacific University, Gwinn Room
Cost: $20 with lunch, $10 without lunch, and $10 for students with lunch
Who: You and hundreds of other people who also care about the environment

Day Without A Bag

2010-12-14T16:04:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Day Without A Bag with Surfrider Foundation, the Bag Monster and Zero Waste Seattle.

Day Without A Bag is raising awareness and initiating a small change in our behavior that will help reduce plastic waste in our oceans. Join Surfrider Foundation, the Bag Monster and Zero Waste Seattle in giving up single-use disposable bags while shopping this Thursday.

Need a bag? Surfrider Foundation, the Bag Monster, Seattle City Councilmember Mike O'Brien and the Zero Waste Coalition will be passing out free reusable bags in Seattle.

Bag Monster handing out free bags
Thursday, December 16th, 12-1PM
Westlake Plaza 400 Pine St (between 4th Ave & Westlake Ave)

The simple action of using a reusable bag while shopping will help eliminate debris on our streets and in our ocean and save taxpayer dollars. Learn more about the environmental harms of single-use plastic bags by visiting www.riseaboveplastics.org.

Surfrider Foundation Notches 150 Coastal Victories

2010-12-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

A coastal victory is a decision made in favor of the coastal and ocean environment that results in a positive conservation outcome, improves coastal access, or both.

A Victory is also one of many ways in which Surfrider Foundation measures our success. In 2005, we set an ambitious goal to attain 150 coastal victories by the end of 2010. Today, we are excited to announce that on December 1st, we achieved this milestone when the Obama administration announced that it would ban new offshore drilling in the continental United States for the next seven years.

learn more: http://oceanswavesbeaches.surfrider.org/

Announcing the 2011 Environmental Priorities

2010-11-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

The Environmental Priorities Coalition believes that we can have a strong economy that provides everyone with the opportunity to prosper and a clean, healthy, and safe environment for ourselves and our children. This year, the Environmental Priorities Coalition has chosen four priority proposals to support during Washington State's legislative session that achieve these goals.

The 2011 Priorities are:

Budget Solutions for Our Environment
Coal Free Future for Washington
Reducing Phosphorous Pollution
Working for Clean Water

The 2011 Priorities will help ensure clean water, create new jobs, reduce threats to our families’ health from the poisons emitted by our state’s single largest polluter, and strike a balance that even in hard times will protect our public health, economic future, and quality of life in Washington.

For more information about the 2011 Priorities, please visit the Priorities Coalition website.

VOTE! Yes on R-52, No on I-1053 and I-1107

2010-10-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

Our ocean and coasts need you to VOTE! So get that ballot in the mail by Tues.

And please, vote YES on Referendum 52 and NO on Initiatives 1053 and 1107.

A YES on R-52 is a win-win for our kids, our environment, and economy! R-52 will repair our aging schools, help save energy and reduce global warming pollution, and put people to work.

A NO on I-1053 allows the legislature to use a majority vote for tax increases and new taxes to raise funds to clean up runoff pollution.

A NO on I-1107 keeps in place a temporary sales tax on soda, bottled water and candy, some of which funds support environmental programs.

Get Out The Vote. If you live in Seattle or vicinity join a phone bank this week: Wednesday, and Thursday and next Monday (11/1) from 5:30-8:30 pm at WEC/WCV offices, 1402 Third Ave Suite 1400. Pizza, snacks and beverages served for the volunteers!

Westport's eyesore

2010-10-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

The Links golf course at Half Moon Bay is up for public auction. The property provides critical coastal habitat and lies adjacent to one of our most popular recreation beaches on the coast. Watching this property be cleared for the golf course upset many ocean users who love these beaches. What will become of the Links course now?

The property will be auctioned off to the highest bidder at 9:30 AM, November 12th, on the front steps of the main entrance of the Grays Harbor County Courthouse, 102 West Broadway, in the City of Montesano, Washington.

cool picture from the International Conference

2010-10-14T11:33:00.001-07:00

Surfrider Foundation CEO, Jim Moriarty, posted this picture on his blog from Surfrider's international conference in Kamogawa, Japan. South Sound Chapter's Jared Gerritzen had scribbled it on the back of a napkin. And, as Jim says in his blog, "it captures the essence of who we are, what we do and how we optimize our impact when we work together."

If you haven't checked out Jim's blog, it's oceanswavesbeaches.surfrider.org.

Videos of stressed fish in Hood Canal

2010-10-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

http://nwgeogirl.smugmug.com/The-Beautiful-Briny-Sea/lowo220100927/13955430_ECSLC#1025350039_GjzTp

This sad video footage shows fish sluggish from low-oxygen levels in Hood Canal. In case you have missed the news, oxygen levels in Hood Canal have been lethally low, killing hundreds of fish and thousands of spot prawns.

Marine Spatial Planning Comment Sessions

2010-09-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

You have an opportunity to provide comments on Washington’s framework for marine spatial planning.

A draft report and recommendations for how to better manage uses of our ocean have been developed by the State Ocean Caucus, an interagency team chaired by the Governor’s office.

Attend an open public session. State agency representatives will be on hand to explain the draft report and listen to your opinions. The public comment period is open until October 5th.

This is a great opportunity to speak out on behalf of non consumptive recreational uses.

Session Dates & Venues:
Monday, September 20, 3:00 – 5:00pm
Washington State Conference & Trade Center 1400 6th Avenue, Seattle Room 210

Friday, September 24, 3:00 – 4:30pm
Following the Northwest Straits Commission meeting San Juan Island Grange Hall 152 First Street North, Friday Harbor

Monday, September 27, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Breazeale Interpretive Center Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve 10441 Bayview-Edison Road, Mt. Vernon

Wednesday, September 29, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Center for Urban Waters 326 East D Street, Tacoma Large Conference Room

Thursday, September 30, 1:00 – 4:00pm
Westport Maritime Museum, McCausland Hall 2201 Westhaven Drive, Westport

Take a minute to inform Marine Spatial Planning in Washington

2010-06-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

Washington State is seeking public comments on marine spatial planning through an online survey. Make sure recreational users voices are represented and take a minute for this survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9W2ZXQY

The results of this survey will assist state agencies in developing a process for engaging in marine spatial planning (MSP) in Washington. MSP is a public process to better understand how our oceans are being used and to identify areas where certain uses may or may not make sense when considering ecological, economic and social objectives. In short, MSP will help keep non-compatible uses, such as wave energy production and surfing, separate.

Surveys will be accepted until June 22, 2010.

The state agencies involved summarized draft goals and objectives for MSP. You are also invited to review these and provide your comments and any additional recommendations to jennifer.hennessey@ecy.wa.gov by June 22, 2010.

For more information on marine spatial planning, check out Surfrider's website: http://surfrider.org/a-z/MarineSpatialPlanning.php

And to learn more about the state’s efforts, go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/msp/index.html.

Puget Sound's slow oil spill -- Kevin Ranker and David Dicks op-ed in the Seattle Times

2010-05-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

Puget Sound is at risk from petroleum and chemicals, write guest columnists Kevin Ranker and David Dicks. While the U.S. Gulf coast is threatened by a calamitous oil spill, Puget Sound is threatened by a slow-moving spill of petroleum and chemicals from our roads and backyards.

By Kevin Ranker and David Dicks

Special to The Times

AS the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history unfolds in the Gulf of Mexico, it's tempting to rest comfortably on our success avoiding a similar calamity here in Puget Sound.

Our success, so far, is not the result of good luck. The state has vigorously worked to prevent oil spills, providing a rapid-response system, stringent oversight of oil companies, and a tugboat dedicated to rescuing distressed ships before they crash and spill hazardous cargoes.

The bad news is, even though its glistening waters look pristine, Puget Sound is in a crisis most of us don't see: a slow-moving spill of millions of gallons of petroleum and chemicals carried by stormwater.

Our famed Northwest rain, which washes our homes, driveways, roads and parking lots, picks up oil from car leaks, toxins, pesticides, fertilizers and bacteria from pet waste and livestock.

This toxic wash water flows down ditches and storm drains into our streams, rivers and, eventually, into Puget Sound. Scientists estimate that 75 percent of the toxic chemicals entering the Sound are carried by stormwater runoff.

The days are past when we could point to a pipe coming from a factory as the source of our problems. The problem now comes from our own backyards and neighborhoods — roughly 140,000 pounds of toxic chemicals each day.

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is the equivalent of an environmental stroke. Our own personal oil spill is the equivalent of an environmental cancer slowly eating away at the health of our precious Puget Sound.

Our oil spill doesn't produce 24-hour news headlines or dramatic images of oil-soaked wildlife. Instead, it produces the slow and chronic destruction of one of our nation's most valuable ecological resources.

As a result, we have 21 species listed as threatened or endangered, more than 500 Puget Sound rivers, streams and lakes that exceed water-quality standards, and dozens of beaches closed due to pollution.

The time to attack this problem is now.

The Puget Sound Partnership has provided a game plan, an Action Agenda for Puget Sound. Through a coordinated, regional approach that challenges each of us to make small but important changes in how we live, work and use the land, we can drive this problem into remission.

The Agenda has already gone a long way to align government action. Fixing this problem means retrofitting municipal drainage systems. It means different development standards. It means a fundamentally different approach to managing our water.

Our local communities cannot be expected to bear this burden alone. This year in Olympia, while significant steps were taken, much was left unresolved. We must find a way to fund these critical investments.

Cleaning up and protecting Puget Sound will take time, money and commitment. The current recession may reduce funding in the short term, but it will not diminish our determination or the urgency of our task.

Progress is being made, but this is just a beginning. Puget Sound is too important to us and to our children.

We can be the generation that perpetuated the problem or we can be the generation that solved the problem. The choice is up to us.

Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan, left, represents the 40th Legislative District in the state Senate, is a senior fellow at The Ocean Foundation and a senior adviser for the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative. David Dicks is the executive director of Puget Sound Partnership.

West Coast Senators Introduce Bill to Protect the Pacific Coast from Offshore Oil Drilling

2010-05-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

This morning, Washington Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray joined U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in introducing legislation to permanently prohibit offshore drilling on the outer continental shelf of California, Oregon and Washington State. Read the full press release.

Surfrider Foundation has an action alert asking President Obama and Congress to reinstate the offshore drilling moratorium. Please click on the alert and take a brief moment to demonstrate the strong grassroots support for protecting our coasts from new offshore oil and gas development and exploration.

If you have another moment, then please drop Senators Cantwell and Murray a quick thank you.

Updates and information on the Deepwater Horizon spill

2010-05-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

If you're like me and you can't stop surfing the web for the latest information on the tragic oil spill in the Gulf, check out our blog:

nottheanswer.org

According to updated oil spill estimates, 1,092,000 gallons are spilling every day. The volume of this spill could surpass the Exxon Valdez spill before it's contained. Washington State is helping with the recovery effort and if you're interested in learning more about how, the Washington Department of Ecology has posted information on their website.

Photo: aerial view of crews placing boom around Breton Island off the coast of Louisiana trying to protect a Brown Pelican nesting colony.

Not enougth muscle to pass Clean Water bill

2010-04-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

The votes were very close, but our leadership in Olympia didn't flex the muscle necessary to pass the Clean Water bill which would have collected funds from the oil industry to help clean up stormwater pollution and prevent it from draining into Washington's rivers and ocean. This is an enormous missed opportunity. Despite the fact that stormwater pollution mostly comes from oil, property owners are still expected to pay for its management without much help from industry. And as a result, struggling local governments are not likely to make much headway against the number one threat to Puget Sound.

This is a loss for Surfrider Foundation and for clean water. But don't think for a second that your actions this session -- your letters, emails, phone calls, tabling, and other outreach -- were not invaluable. They were. And our continued push to educate the masses about the impacts of stormwater pollution remains critical. The take away from this session is that we need to be louder and we need to be more clear about how important clean water is -- for us, for our communities, and for Washington.

If you haven't already, take a moment to watch The Cycle of Insanity, The Real Story of Water and then send the link to your friends: http://knowyourh2o.org

Our broken water cycle

2010-04-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

Timing couldn’t be better for the release of The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water, a short, animated film made by creative and dedicated Surfrider Foundation volunteers. With the Working for Clean Water Bill still being debated in an extended session of the Washington State legislature, now is the time to spread the word on how stormwater is polluting our oceans. Take 20 minutes to watch this important video on our (broken) water cycle. Then call the legislative hotline and ask your legislators to vote yes on the Clean Water Act of 2010 HB 3181/SB6851: 1-800-562-6000.

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water from Surfrider Foundation on Vimeo.

Last set for Clean Water -- legislators need to hear from you

2010-03-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Working for Clean Water Bill is still alive in a special session. The vote is very very close and with just a few more yes votes, we can win this fight to tackle stormwater -- Washington's biggest source of water pollution.

This is likely my last chance to ask you to take action and the last chance that you will have to help us win on the clean water bill, so please, yes, one more time -- CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS! Just dial the hotline and leave a message for all three of your legislators asking them to vote yes on the Clean Water Act of 2010, HB 3181/SB 6851 right now: 1-800-562-600.

The oil industry is fighting dirty to stop this bill. Their latest scheme has been to file a law suit challenging the Hazardous Substance Tax. This tax was approved by voters 22 years ago to help tackle oil pollution and has been collected without legal challenge this entire time. According to legal experts, this lawsuit has no merit. The timing of this suit during the special legislative session is a scare tactic designed to discouraged votes. So, all the more reason why need to make the citizens' voice loud and clear to our legislators who represent us, not big oil.

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water

2010-03-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Surfrider's San Diego Chapter put together this great video on the water cycle and what is needed to fix our wasteful behaviors. Check out the movie trailer here & look for the full video to come out soon. Think about ways to minimize your water footprint at your home and in your daily routine, Know Your H2O!!!

And if you haven't already, please call or email your legislators and ask for their support on the Working for Clean Water Bill: Send an Email by clicking here or call this number to leave a message: 1-800-562-6000.

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water - TRAILER 1 from Surfrider Foundation San Diego C on Vimeo.

THIS FRIDAY -- next hearing set for Clean Water bill

2010-02-25T12:18:00.001-08:00

Kick off your Friday by supporting Clean Water!

The next hearing for the Working for Clean Water bill is Friday, Feb 26th, at 8:30 A.M. Please come and show your support!

House Finance Committee
House Hearing Rm C, O'Brien Building, Olympia
Friday, February 26th, 8:30 AM

Even if you can only stay a short while, please come and sign in.

Polluted runoff from our city streets is the equivalent of an Exxon Valdez oil spill in slow motion - the implications for Puget Sound and our ocean are that harmful.

We know what to do to address polluted runoff - retrofit urban streets, dig storm ponds, build better storm drains, and encourage low-impact development. To complete these stormwater projects on a scale that will make a difference we need to pass the Working for Clean Water bill. By taxing the pollutants that are harming our waters, this bill provides a long-term source of funding for desperately needed stormwater infrastructure projects.

Can't make it to Olympia? Then please Email or call your legislators right now and ask them to support Working for Clean Water.

Send an Email by clicking here.

Or call this number and leave a message for your legislators: 1-800-562-6000.

Clean Water bill hearing set for Monday 3:30PM

2010-02-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

Working for Clean Senate hearing set for this Monday. Please come and show your support.

Senate Ways and Means Committee
Monday, February 22 at 3:30pm
Meet outside Senate Hearing Room 4 at 2:45pm to sign in to support the bill
J.A. Cherberg Building, Olympia

Last Wednesday, supporters for Clean Water packed the hearing room for the House Capital Budget Committee. As a result, it passed out of committee by a 8-7 vote. Now, we need do it again on Monday.

Can't make it to Olympia, then call your Senators: 1.800.562.600. Ask them to support Working for Clean Water (HB 3181/SB 6851) because it is a win-win for Washington families. It will clean up polluted waterways across the state and create thousands of good paying construction jobs to improve clean water infrastructure.

Or, send an instant email.

Rally draws thousands to state capital

2010-02-16T16:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, thousands gathered at the Washington State capitol in favor of protecting budgets for clean water, health care and education.

Fearing an "all-cuts" state budget, citizens spoke out in support of revenue raising strategies, including the Working for Clean Water legislation that would raise the tax on polluters to fund stormwater infrastructure projects.

Clean water legislation to tackle stormwater pollution is one bill that Surfrider Foundation is working hard to pass this session. Others would establish a Marine Spatial Planning blueprint for WA and provide for the safe collection and disposal of unwanted medications.

Marine Spatial Planning in WA, SB 6350
This past weekend, this bill passed the Senate 44-2. Spearheaded by ocean champion and longtime Surfrider activist, Senator Kevin Ranker, this bill initiates a local approach to marine planning that would engage ocean users in a process to minimize impacts from new and emergency ocean uses.

Secure Medicine Return, 2SSB 5279
Up for possible Senate floor action this week, this bill creates a statewide medicine return program provided by drug producers. Harmful medications often get flushed down the toilet and into our marine waters where they threaten marine species and human health.

Stormwater legislation seeks a new funding source

2010-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Working for Clean Water legislation will put people to work building stormwater infrastructure. This is a good bill. Stormwater is the number one threat to the health of Puget Sound. Every time it rains, stormwater carries the crud from the streets, construction projects, and farms straight into Puget Sound, where we like to paddle and where the fish, birds and marine mammals are struggling to survive.

Working for Clean Water raises the hazardous-substance tax on petroleum, pesticides and other chemicals that cause harm to Washington's waterways in order to fund projects that will capture and treat stormwater before it reaches the water.

In order for this bill to pass, your state legislators need to hear from you. Please call them right now and tell them to support Working for Clean Water legislation: 1-800-562-6000.

Initially, the bill proposed creating a new barrel fee on petroleum products. Now, the measure proposes to increase the hazardous-substance tax instead. This change is in response to concerns raised that a new barrel fee would be the same as a gas tax, which is restricted for supporting road-building projects.

To learn more, see today's Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010910892_oiltax28m.html

Combined-sewage-overflow (CSO) in Port Angeles

2010-01-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

Heavy rains have caused a combined-sewage-overflow (CSO) in Port Angeles, meaning that both raw sewage and stormwater are running untreated into the Harbor. And, because of the tidal conditions, the water is not flushing out into the Sound. As a result, the BEACH program has issued a warning advising against contact with waters in Port Angeles Harbor for at least 48 hours following rainfall. This includes Hollywood Beach, which is close to two of four overflowing CSO pipes. In addition to the health risks of raw sewage, stormwater has devastating effects on marine life and is the largest obstacle to recovering Puget Sound to health. Right now, the WA State Legislature is debating a bill (HB1614) that would raise $120 million to put people to work building stormwater infrastructure -- making improvements to systems like the one in Port Angeles. If you haven't already, please call your legislators and ask them to support HB1614 Working for Clean Water legislation: 1-800-562-6000.

To learn more about the bill, go to Washington Environmental Priorities website.

Wear Blue for the Oceans -- Jan 13th

2010-01-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

January 13th is Wear Blue for the Oceans Day. By wearing blue you will be part of movement to tell President Obama and his Administration that ocean and coastal health should be a national priority.

This Wednesday, in support of our oceans, public rallies are taking place across the country in Hawaii, Washington DC, New Orleans and more and in all states, oceans lovers will be wearing blue. Show your support and wear blue too. And ask your friends to do the same.

Tomorrow's activities are timed to encourage the Obama Administration to adopt a National Ocean Policy. To learn more about how a National Ocean Policy can help your beach and about the work of the Ocean Policy Task Force, established by Obama last June, visit wearblueforoceans.org and www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans.

"We have a stewardship responsibility to maintain healthy, resilient, and sustainable oceans, coasts and Great Lakes resources for the benefit of this and future generations."
President Barak Obama, June 12, 2009

Mass. Ocean-Management Plan

2010-01-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2010
Mass. unveils landmark ocean-management plan
By STEVE LeBLANC
Associated Press Writer

Massachusetts has released the final version of a landmark ocean-management plan, creating a vast regulatory map for the state's coastal waters and setting new limits for offshore wind farms.

The plan allows up to 266 wind turbines in state waters — 166 in two designated commercial wind farm areas and 100 more turbines scattered up and down the coast in smaller "community" projects — as the state tries to ramp up its renewable energy output.

Authorized by the state's Oceans Act of 2008, the plan is designed to regulate development in state-controlled waters, which extend three miles offshore.

It creates protected areas and prohibits development in state waters near the Cape Cod National Seashore.

The protected habitats include eelgrass beds and submerged rocky areas that provide shelter to some of the greatest marine biodiversity in the coastal waters. The plan is also designed to shield whale migratory paths and the habitats of endangered roseate terns.

Before the map, development in state waters had been handled piecemeal, said state Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles.

State officials say the map is the first in the country with such a comprehensive scope. Other states, including California and New York, have adopted measures designed to protect offshore ecosystems. Rhode Island is working on its own coastal management plan.

President Barack Obama last year started a similar effort to draft a regulatory framework for federal waters — beyond the three-mile band of state waters.

Although the plan allows up to 266 turbines, Bowles said he doesn't anticipate many of the community-based wind turbines being built — at least not soon — due to the high costs of siting and construction, although he acknowledged that technological improvements could bring those costs down.

The map parcels out the number of allowed community energy projects to each of the state's seven regional planning authorities based on the length of shoreline and area of coastal waters. The plan also requires any project be endorsed by its host community.

Bowles said the final version of the map improves on an earlier version released in July in part by creating tougher protections for ecologically sensitive areas, which constitute nearly two-thirds of the state's waters.

The final version sets a higher regulatory hurdle than the earlier version by requiring developers show that no environmental harm will come from proposed projects in those areas — or prove that the state's data is wrong.

"It's a much more difficult standard than was there before," Bowles said.

Environmental groups praised the plan, saying it balances protection of vulnerable marine wildlife and habitats with responsible ocean uses.

"It's a real victory for the ocean and everyone who depends on it," said Priscilla Brooks of the Conservation Law Foundation. "The bar has been set very high."

The map would do nothing to block the development of the 130-turbine Cape Wind project, the nation's first proposed offshore wind farm, to be located in federal waters off Nantucket Sound.

The plan establishes two new zones for commercial wind-energy projects south of Cuttyhunk Island near the southern end of the Elizabeth Islands and south of Nomans Land, off Martha's Vineyard.

The plan gives local communities some say over the "appropriate scale" of any commercial wind farm in state waters.

The state is also forming a task force with the U.S. Minerals Management Service to coordinate the planning and review of large-scale wind-energy projects in adjacent federal waters.

The plan also sets out priorities for ocean management-related research over the next five years, including better ways to identify sensitive habitats and monitoring the effects of climate change in Massachusetts waters.

___

On the Net:

Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs: http://www.mass.gov/eea

Governor's budget cuts deeper into water quality

2009-12-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

The State's water quality and public health programs prevent and clean up water pollution as well as monitor and inform beach goers when the waters are unsafe for recreation. These essential programs are facing further cuts under this years budget shortfall. Yesterday, the Governor released her proposed all cuts budget and it included reductions of $200,000 in funding for the water quality program and capacity reductions in monitoring. In addition, the Environmental Health Program was severely cut by $500,000. These cuts, on top of deep cuts made earlier this year, compromise the state's ability to ensure that our beaches and waters are clean and that users are informed. This all cuts budget threatens many other core environmental protection programs too, including those that ensure clean drinking water and clean up toxic contamination. Surfrider Foundation strongly encourages the Governor to release a second budget and to restore funding to critical environmental programs.

Erosion along South Coast shores worsens with storms

2009-11-24T15:12:00.000-08:00

Following the first of this months severe storms, the South Beach Bulletin, Westport's local paper, featured photos of the erosion damage. These included one of a enormous sinkhole that devastated the trailer park behind the Islander. Another showed Westhaven Drive under water and another featured the dramatic shoreline of Washaway Beach, where a house is very close to sliding off the bluff. Erosion is inevitable along Washington's weather worn shores. However, how governments, developers and coastal communities chose to respond and prepare for erosion is a significant question. And, will they act proactively in light of more severe storm conditions predicted with climate change? Surfrider Foundation is going to push Westport and other coastal communities in Grays Harbor County to tackle these questions at a workshop this February. For details and outcomes, check out Kathy Greer's blog: surfriderwashingtonoutercoast.blogspot.com

Storm hits WA coast

2009-11-05T11:05:00.000-08:00

Even Cliff Mass, Washington's biggest weather buff, is impressed by the forecast for this weekend. Intense low pressure, high winds, and big waves are likely to dominate the outer coast. Check out Mass's blog for details: cliffmass.blogspot.com.

Algae bloom threatens seabirds on Washington coast

2009-10-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

Dead and distressed seabirds are showing up on Washington beaches for the second time this fall along with a brownish-green foam. So far reports of birds are from Makah Bay (Sooes) and the Long Beach Peninsula. Mainly loons, common murre, grebes and scoters. The brownish bloom is presumed to be Akashiwo sanguinea. The algae acts as a surfactant on the birds' feathers, causing them to die of hypothermia. This species of algae is not considered hazardous for beach recreation, including surfing and paddling.

Volunteers are needed through Nov 15th to drive live rescued seabirds to a rescue center in Lynnwood, WA. If you are available to drive, please contact Jacqueline Laverdure 360-457-6622 ext. 21 or Jacqueline.Laverdure@noaa.gov. Include your phone number in your message. Thanks for your help.

Governor speaks against 1033

2009-10-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, at the annual Washington Conservation Voters Breakfast of Champions, Governor Chris Gregoire gave an impassioned speech rallying support for the fight against Initiative 1033. It will "devastate the State of Washington" said Gregoire.

Tim Eyman's Ballot Initiative 1033 is on this November's ballot. And if it passes, it will indeed have devastating impacts on ocean and coastal protection programs. Funding for clean water, clean air, beach access and Puget Sound recovery will slowly dry up over time as this restrictive measures strangles the state budget.

As Governor Gregoire said, “...please... do everything you can. Vote yourself NO on 1033. But get everybody in Washington State to join in.”

www.no1033.com

Call-in and Webcast for this afternoon's Ocean Policy Task Force meeting

2009-09-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

You can listen to or watch a webcast of this afternoon’s session by the interagency ocean policy task force in San Francisco. The meeting starts at 2:30 pm. See below for call-in and webcast details. More information and background at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans/

Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force Public Listening Session
September 17, 2009
2:30 – 6:00 PM

Ways for the public to participate and submit comments

Attend the meeting in person with chance to submit comments:

Hyatt Regency San Francisco at Embarcadero Center, Ballroom A
5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111

Submit comments through the website:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/oceans

View the live webcast at: http://www.cal-span.org/

Listen to the meeting on the conference call (listen only):

(888) 769-8760 (up to 100 lines)
Participant Pass code: 67311

I-1033 threatens Washington’s future

2009-09-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

As a result of the current budget crisis, many of Washington’s vital coastal resources programs have suffered severe cutbacks. For example, the State Department of Ecology made deep cuts to oil spill prevention and response programs and cut litter crews working to prevent garbage from entering Puget Sound in half.

Despite these hard budget times, there is reason to be hopeful for Washington’s future because the economy seems to be rebounding. That is, unless I-1033 passes. This is the TABOR initiative that will be on your ballot this November. The language might be confusing, but make no mistake, if I-1033 passes, this measure ensures that the State never recovers from the budget crisis of 2009 -- the worst in Washington history. State spending levels will be frozen.

Even in good economic times, when revenues should be strong and allow lawmakers to collect for a rainy day fund, our State’s revenues will instead stay at the current depressed levels. And to make matters worse, if we ever suffer another budget downturn, the State’s budget will fall again to even more depressed levels without being able to rebound. In Colorado, where the same measure passed in 1992, they call this the "ratchet effect".

As a result of TABOR, Colorado has become one of the Nation's poorest funded and poorest performing states. Despite having one of the highest per capita incomes, Colorado is 47th out of the 50 states for K-12 public education spending. Let's not let this happen to Washington. Deeper cuts to the programs we care about, including oil spills prevention, is not the future we want. To learn more visit: www.no1033.com.

Changing Oceans

2009-06-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

Ocean Acidification gained national attention at a US Senate hearing on Tuesday. One of many challenges confronting our oceans, increasing acidity of saltwater threatens the health of calcifying species that provide habitat and form the base of the marine food web. Science supports that increasing levels of carbon dioxide being absorbed by the ocean is behind this problem. In essence, as our ocean works to protect us from greenhouse gasses, she is slowly suffering herself. And like the stoic old woman, it is hard to see this problem on the surface. However, under microscopes, scientists are finding that, among other things, documented changes in the water are causing tiny crustaceans, corals, and Pacific oysters to lose structural integrity. Not surprisingly, one of the most vocal communities on Ocean Acidification are shellfish growers. If the science is correct, then the shellfish industry will be a lot less lucrative. Other potential impacts are that reef breaks will start to break down and juvenile salmon will have less to eat.

The Senate hearing was unfortunately clouded by sad irony. Simultaneously in another hearing, US Senators were voting to increase offshore oil drilling. Senator Cantwell coined it perfectly, “it’s crazy they are discussing more drilling.”

Yesterday's Olympian offers good coverage on the hearing.
And if you have a moment, check out the following blogs:
nottheanswer.org
oceanamps.com

World Oceans Day

2009-06-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

"How inappropriate to call this planet Earth, when it clearly should be named Ocean." Arthur C. Clarke

Today, June 8th, 2009 is World Oceans Day. To celebrate, I encourage you to take a moment or two to consider the ocean. Oceans cover over 70 percent of the planet's surface. Without oceans, there wouldn't be life. The world's oceans generate most of the oxygen we breathe, regulate our climate, and provide food and drinking water. The ocean is also where many of us work and play and for some of us why we chose to live in Washington State.

I also encourage you to take conscious actions on behalf of the ocean, not just today, but everyday. An action can be as simple as taking a shorter shower, picking up after your pet, washing your car at an official car wash, and remembering to take your reusable bag to the store.

First proposed in 1992 by the Government of Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, World Oceans Day is now officially designated by the U.N.

Rally for Change TODAY

2009-05-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

The EPA will hear testimony on proposed climate change ruling today in Seattle. 180 are signed up to testify including Governor Gregoire. Thousands more, including myself, are gathering outside for a lunch time rally. Don't miss it.

Support action on climate change:
12PM, May 21st
Pier 66, 2211 Alaskan Way, Seattle

Seattle's day to tell EPA how to fix climate

President’s budget makes Doppler Radar a priority

2009-05-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

President Obama’s budget includes $7 million for a Doppler weather radar system for Washington’s coast. “Despite having the worst non-tropical storms in the nation, Washington State has the worst weather radar coverage of any U.S. coastline,” said Senator Maria Cantwell who has championed this issue. Cantwell will be working hard in DC to ensure that the funds for the Doppler are appropriated.

A new Doppler system will expand coverage to be able to detect storms 165 kilometers off the coast. This service will be vital for marine recreational users and many of our northwest marine industries, including shipping and fishing. In addition, Doppler will help to prevent oil spills caused by weather related accidents.

The Salish Sea

2009-03-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today’s Crossuct http://crosscut.com/2009/03/27/mossback/18927/ is worth reading. Knute Berger writes an interesting article about naming the northwest waters that connect Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia the “Salish Sea”. At issue in the article is the concern that a new name might undermine work to educate Washingtonians about the urgent need to protect and restore Puget Sound. It is unfortunate that an effort to mark the greater ecosystem and to link us to our northern neighbors and our rich cultural history with the traditional name is being clouded by the plight of Puget Sound. However, the real sad story is that despite all the resources, especially knowledge, at our disposal in this region, Puget Sound is still so polluted that our resident killer whales are among the most toxic in the world. Research tells us that about 52 million pounds of untreated toxic chemicals including oil and petroleum products, PCBs and phthalates flow into up Puget Sound every year. That’s over 140 thousand pounds per day. Let's work to tackle this daunting number. Come to the next chapter meeting, answer our next action alert, make changes at home, and engage your friends and neighbors.

Success on the Neah Bay Tug

2009-03-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

In Washington, it is hard to imagine a better way to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill than by winning the long fought campaign for a year-round rescue tug at Neah Bay. Huge thanks to Surfrider Foundation's own, Kevin Ranker, now a freshman senator in the Washington State Legislature, for adopting this initiative and making it happen. He worked with a great team including People for Puget Sound, the Makah Tribe, Fred Felleman, Surfrider Foundation and others.

Check out the story in today's Seattle PI

Neah Bay Tug

2009-02-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

Washington residents and ocean lovers -- your beaches, sound, and ocean needs you on Wednesday February 11th at 3:30PM.

This session a new proposal is on the table for funding the Neah Bay rescue tug – SB 5344 sponsored by Surfrider Foundation’s ocean champion, Kevin Ranker. The Neah Bay tug is our best defense against small to catastrophic oil spills in the Strait and on the outer coast. This bill places financial responsibility for funding the tug on shipping and tanker vessels traveling through the Straits – the very ships that present the risk of a spill. Thanks to our efforts over the past few years, we do not need to convince the legislature that the tug is a priority; we just need to help them understand that this proposed funding mechanism is both smart and fair.

Wednesday, February 11th this bill will go before the Senate Environment, Water, and Energy Committee. We need to fill the hearing room with supporters to demonstrate that the legislature must pass this bill.

PLEASE COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.

WHAT: Senate Environment, Water, and Energy Committee hearing on the Rescue Tug (SB 5344) sponsored by Surfrider Foundation ocean champion, Senator Kevin Ranker

WHERE: J.A. Cherberg Bldg. on Olympia’s capitol campus, Hearing Room 4

WHEN: Wednesday, February 11 at 3:30PM.

Questions, contact Shannon Serrano 253-905-3478, sserrano(at)surfrider.org or Jody Kennedy 206-940-6509, jkennedy(at)surfrider.org.

Photo: Kathy Greer, a tanker passes by the popular beaches at Westport.

Puget Sound has a new plan for restoring it to health

2008-12-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

On December 1st the Leadership Council of the Puget Sound Partnership formally adopted the Action Plan to clean up the Sound by the year 2020. Surfrider Foundation activists and staff have been following the development of the Agenda and offering input along the way. South Sound Chapter Chair, Mike Webb, testified twice before the Leadership Council. In addition, countless members and activists submitted comments. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS. They had an impact.

Our message has been that this new initiative to save Puget Sound needs to be much bolder than those in the past. In particular, we emphasized that the Puget Sound Partnership must prioritize opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the waters of Puget Sound. Whether people experience the Sound from the marine waters, the shoreline, or up in the watershed, exploring and learning about the rich ecosystem that spans from the crest of the Cascades to the Straits of Juan de Fuca is one of the best strategies for conservation. Our connection to Puget Sound is what drives us to understand and care about this resource. Our connection is what inspires us to steward this resource for our neighbors and our grandchildren.

The Puget Sound Action Agenda is a bold new plan to save the Sound. It is also ambitious. And if it is going to be successful, it is going to take the actions of all us who live and recreate here. I encourage you to visit the Partnership’s website and watch the Action Agenda video: http://www.psp.wa.gov/aa_action_agenda.php .

Jody

Act NOW on behalf of Puget Sound

2008-11-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

Washington's action agenda for restoring Puget Sound to health by 2020 is out. Public comments, YOUR COMMENTS, are needed to make sure the agenda will accomplish its goal. To send comments fast from Surfrider Foundation’s website: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/pugetsound.

While Puget Sound may look beautiful and vibrant on the surface, the quality of the water, the condition of the shorelines, and the health of marine species are in serious peril. Just this month, researchers confirmed that seven orcas, 10% of the Puget Sound population, are missing and believed to be dead. Toxins in the food web and diminished salmon populations are largely to blame. Another underlying cause is us. Our actions, our inactions, our lack of awareness, our failure to hold governments and industry accountable -- we play a large role. This is our Puget Sound, it is our backyard and if we care about its future, we need to step up and help. There are so many easy things that we can do to make a difference, starting with sending comments on the Puget Sound Action Agenda.

Send comments to the Puget Sound Partnership right now by going to Surfrider Foundation's action alert http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/pugetsound or by going to the Puget Sound Partnership’s website: http://www.psp.wa.gov/. The comment period ends Thursday, November 20th.

Election 2008

2008-10-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

VOTE!

Whether voting by absentee or at the ballot box, do not miss this enormous opportunity to support our oceans, waves and beaches among numerous other critical issues at stake in this election. Surfrider Foundation does not endorse candidates, but we do strongly encourage you to vote.

Also, I am happy to share my thoughts on a couple of Washington’s ballot initiatives. This year, there are two initiatives addressing transportation choices. First I-985, this initiative deceptively appears to reduce traffic, but in fact would do the opposite. As The Seattle Times writes, “The result [of I-985] will be more cars on the roads and more congestion by mid-December. Happy Holidays to you.” The second is Prop 1. This proposition offers more transit solutions, including express buses and light rail. The cost of this measure will be about $69 per person per year, which is just a little more than one tank of gas. As The Tacoma News Tribune wrote, “We think that’s a reasonable price for fast and reliable mass transit.” Transportation is an issue for our ocean and coasts. Increasing traffic and road construction leads to more air pollution and more stormwater runoff, which means decreasing water quality.

Very importantly, please make sure to vote in every race on the ballot. Your state and local elected officials will have an impact on the future health of Washington’s ocean and coasts.

Jody

Off-shore drilling does more harm than good LETTER - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

2008-09-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

I urge Congress to put sound policy ahead of politics when debating high gas prices. Some policies being floated in Washington, D.C., could have disastrous consequences for our coastal economies.

Some proposals would open up Washington shores for oil drilling. Tourism is one of the backbones of our economy. The impact a drilling operation would have on coastal hotels, fishing industry and related businesses, not to mention beaches, is unfathomable. No matter what Big Oil says, some oil and toxic waste spills seem inevitable with new exploration off our coasts. The risk seems to far outweigh the reward.

With less than 3 percent of the world's oil, the United States could drill every national park, wildlife refuge, and coastline and still need to import 60 percent of the oil we use based on current demand. Drilling won't deliver a drop of new oil for at least 10 years.

I recognize the need for Congress to take action on gas prices. I hope the Congressional offshore drilling moratorium remains intact, and Congress focuses on energy solutions that will really help at the pump.

Brian Smart

Bellingham

Brian is an active member of Surfrider Foundation's Northwest Straits Chapter.

Neah Bay emergency response tug assists fishing vessel

2008-09-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

The emergency rescue tug stationed at Neah Bay, Hunter, assisted a 106-foot fishing vessel on Wednesday after it lost propulsion at sea.

The Papado II was about 27 miles southwest of Cape Flattery when it became disabled. Sea water leaked into the engine room, causing the main engine to become inoperable. The Papado II was in no immediate danger but was drifting at sea.

A standby emergency response tug has been on station at Neah Bay since spring 1999. The state has directly funded the tug since year 2000. Funding for the tug ends on June 30, 2009. The tug has stood by or assisted 41 ships that were disabled or had reduced maneuvering or propulsion capability while transporting oil and other cargo along the coast and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The actions helped ensure the ships didn't drift onto rocks and spill oil.

Ecology’s Neah Bay Emergency Response Tug information page:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/response_tug/tugresponsemainpage.htm

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is updating their management plan

2008-09-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Since its designation in 1994, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary has combined ocean research, management and policy, and education programs to protect one of America's most significant ocean treasures.

This fall, the sanctuary is beginning a thorough re-examination of their management priorities. This is a pubic process and will be greatly enhanced by the input of people who use and care about Washington’s outer coast.

Please attend an upcoming public meeting:
Port Angeles: 9/29/08, 6-9pm, Peninsula College Longhouse South Campus
Neah Bay: 9/30/08, 6-9pm, Makah Marina Conference Center, Makah Reservation, Bayview Ave
La Push: 10/1/08, 6-9pm, A-Ka-Lat Center, Quileute Reservation on La Push Road
Ocean Shores: 10/2/08, 6-9pm, Ocean Shores Convention Center, 120 W Chance a La Mer NW
Westport: 10/3/08, 6-9pm, Westport Maritime Museum, 2201, Westhaven Drive
Olympia: 10/4/08, 2-5pm, Governor Hotel, Washington Room, 621 S. Capitol Way
Seattle: 10/5/08, 7-10pm, Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59, 1483 Alaskan Way

For more information, visit: http://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/protection/mpr/welcome.html