Protecting our bays and coastlines

Stopping spills, beefing up cleanup plans

Our coast, beaches and bays are central to what many of us love about California. Our ocean ecosystems support thousands of unique species and draw more than 150 million visitors each year. Our coast is an environmental and economic pillar in our state’s well-being.   

In the aftermath of the San Francisco oil spill, Environment California is working to make sure we take action to prevent future spills. Within two weeks of the spill, Environment California was on the street talking to people about the issue and building public support for new laws to govern oil transportation within California waters.

We are working with legislators to create preventive measures to decrease the risk  spills. One bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Sally Lieber (Mountain View), would require tug escorts for vessels carrying hazardous substances, which would guarantee a safer entry into California waters.

We are also focused on putting in place reliable programs and policies to quickly and efficiently clean up oil spills, should one occur again. Working with Assemblywoman Loni Hancock (Berkeley), we are looking to pass a bill that would train and fund residents who live in shoreline communities so that they can immediately act to minimize the effects.

Cosco Busan spill highlights danger

For years, Environment California has been working to protect our beaches and bays. Unfortunately, the issue wasn’t getting the attention it deserved in Sacramento until a 58,000-gallon toxic stew of jet fuel, kerosene and diesel was spilled last November, causing widespread damage to the beaches and the animals that called them home. Experts estimate up to 20,000 birds were killed. The San Francisco Bay sees 1.6 million migrating birds each year, and is the largest estuary on the West Coast.

“The health of our oceans and bays are intricately connected to the health of California’s ecosystem,” said Preservation Associate Gina Goodhill. “Disasters like the San Francisco oil spill remind us how easily our actions can threaten these natural resources. No matter how many times we do it, shipping oil and fuel should always be considered a potentially dangerous activity.”

Baker Beach, San Francisco.