Santa Monica, Calif. (November 14, 2012) – After eight hours of testimony that included comments from Surfrider Foundation, activists, and ocean lovers alike, the California Coastal Commission denied Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) the necessary permit to conduct seismic testing off the Central California coast. The commission unanimously found the project inconsistent with the Coastal Act.
“We are pleased the California Coastal Commission strongly upheld the Coastal Act by denying this terribly harmful project,” says Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, Surfrider Foundation’s California Policy Manager. “The large public attendance today demonstrates just how citizens can greatly influence decision makers. Surfrider Foundation believes taxpayers, ocean users, and marine life are better off because of this decision."
During the hearing, which was standing-room-only in the Santa Monica Civic Center, Surfrider Foundation chapter representatives, staff, and supporters took the stand one after another to voice their opposition to PG&E’s application to conduct an extensive seismic surveying project along the coast near San Luis Obispo. The project, which was to gather information for the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, involves towing powerful air cannons off the Central Coast, shooting deafening underwater explosions (upwards of 250 decibels) every 13 seconds for 17 straight days. The Surfrider Foundation and other groups maintain that similar surveying information already exists and the project unnecessarily puts marine life at risk.
"We thank the Coastal Commissioners and staff for taking a stand in defense of our coastal recreation and marine life. While everyone wants a safe nuclear power plant at Diablo Canyon, this project was not the right way to get there, says Dr. Chad Nelsen, Surfrider Foundation’s Environmental Director. "The threats from seismic testing to marine wildlife and ocean recreation are so severe it should be considered the last resort, not business as usual."
“We are pleased the California Coastal Commission strongly upheld the Coastal Act by denying this terribly harmful project,” says Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, Surfrider Foundation’s California Policy Manager. “The large public attendance today demonstrates just how citizens can greatly influence decision makers. Surfrider Foundation believes taxpayers, ocean users, and marine life are better off because of this decision."
During the hearing, which was standing-room-only in the Santa Monica Civic Center, Surfrider Foundation chapter representatives, staff, and supporters took the stand one after another to voice their opposition to PG&E’s application to conduct an extensive seismic surveying project along the coast near San Luis Obispo. The project, which was to gather information for the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, involves towing powerful air cannons off the Central Coast, shooting deafening underwater explosions (upwards of 250 decibels) every 13 seconds for 17 straight days. The Surfrider Foundation and other groups maintain that similar surveying information already exists and the project unnecessarily puts marine life at risk.
"We thank the Coastal Commissioners and staff for taking a stand in defense of our coastal recreation and marine life. While everyone wants a safe nuclear power plant at Diablo Canyon, this project was not the right way to get there, says Dr. Chad Nelsen, Surfrider Foundation’s Environmental Director. "The threats from seismic testing to marine wildlife and ocean recreation are so severe it should be considered the last resort, not business as usual."
Visit Surfrider for information on the campaign. Surfrider is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves, and beaches through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by visionary surfers in Malibu, California, Surfrider has more than 250,000 supporters, activists, and members worldwide.
Surfrider makes it easy to get your comments in to the Coastal Commission -- or to attend the rally against this deadly proposition PG&E is making.
Send your comments to the Coastal Commission:
http://seismic.surfrider.org/2012/764/
Learn more about Surfrider:
http://surfrider.org/
Posted by: Jay Bird | November 13, 2012 at 07:47 AM