Oil Spill Underscores Need for Transition Away from Fossil Fuels
Like many of you, OC Climate Reality Chapter leaders have been following news of the massive oil spill threatening the Orange County coastline, imperiling birds, marine life and sensitive habitats, and polluting our air. The news is heartbreaking. State and federal officials now report that close to 144,000 gallons of crude spilled and 23 miles of coastline have been shut down (from Huntington Beach to Dana Point)
While officials continue efforts to protect ecologically sensitive shorelines, the oil has continued to move south, washing up on beaches and wetlands from Huntington Beach and Newport Beach to Laguna Beach and Dana Point, prompting officials to close harbors and large stretches of sand.
As the disaster continues to unfold, there is a natural impulse to take action. Yet, authorities are urging the public to stay away from the beaches and oceans. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Oil Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) says the spill response and investigation is still in the early stages and will be a very long process. OSPR offers regular updates on its Cal Spill Watch site at: https://calspillwatch.wildlife.ca.gov/.
And according to Cal Spill Watch, you can now register to be a public volunteer at https://calspillwatch.wildlife.ca.gov/Volunteer/login. “We appreciate your support! We are going to need all of the help we can get,” said Stephanie Polito with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, when she reached out to our Chapter Co-Chair Margo Finlayson.
What you should know
For now, the following areas are closed to the public until further notice:
· Newport Beach beaches
· Laguna Beach city beaches
· Newport Harbor
· Crystal Cove
Do not approach affected wildlife, call in a report: 877-823-6926 and follow the prompts.
The Orange County Health Care Agency issued a health advisory for residents exposed to oil contaminants. https://www.ochealthinfo.com/press/oc-health-care-agency-issues-health-advisory-residents-exposed-oil-contaminants
What can you do?
1. Stay informed: As we’ve learned from previous spills, damage to the environment and wildlife will not end with the initial clean up. Here are some links to keep informed.
a. Cal Spill Watch - https://calspillwatch.wildlife.ca.gov/
b. California Fish and Wildlife: wildlife.ca.gov/
c. City of Laguna Beach: lagunabeachcity.net/
d. City of Huntington Beach: huntingtonbeachca.gov/
e. City of Newport Beach: newportbeachca.gov/
f. Check for updates on volunteering once it’s safe to return to the beaches:
i. Email Supervisor Katrina Foley’s office at email Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com for notification when it’s safe.
ii. The City of Huntington Beach has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to help coordinate volunteers for future beach clean-up efforts. Anyone interested in volunteering then should visit www.cleanups.surfrider.org.
g. Local press - https://www.latimes.com/, https://www.ocregister.com/ and https://voiceofoc.org/.
2. Continue to speak out for an end to fossil fuels. As Monica Embrey, Senior Associate Director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign, said in a statement: "This spill is yet another reminder that we can have healthy and safe communities, thriving coastal economies, and a stable climate -- or we can continue drilling for oil. We can’t have both.”
a. Join with Climate Reality OC and local climate and environmental groups to raise awareness. Fossil fuels don’t just pollute our beaches and wetlands, they are a major contributor to Climate Change. Share your story on any media outlet, blog, social media, or Climate Reality.
b. Join the CR OC Policy Committee (email us at climaterealityprojectoc@gmail.com) and work with climate and environmental leaders statewide to support legislation that would eliminate offshore oil in California. Write and call your elected representatives and let them know you support a just transition to renewable green energy.
c. Support legislation to stop offshore drilling. Rep. Mike Levin, ramped up his calls to ban offshore drilling in light of the oil spill in Huntington Beach. Here is the bill he and his colleagues introduced:
And consider signing a petition like this one: https://www.nrdc.org/stop-offshore-drilling
d. Join the 100% Committed Clean Energy Campaign Committee and support local efforts to transition from fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy for electricity. Contact us at climaterealityprojectoc@gmail.com to learn more about joining.
3. Support front line responders working to save habitat and wildlife with financial donations.
a. Huntington Beach Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center – https://www.wwccoc.org/.
b. Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy - http://www.hbwetlands.org/#&panel1-2
c. Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach – https://www.pacificmmc.org/.
d. Check with other local groups for future beach clean ups and habitat restoration projects.
Your actions count. Your voice is essential. Your time is invaluable. We are in this together and together we can make a world of difference ~ Climate Reality OC
(Please check before dropping off supplies as all necessary supplies and equipment to support the cleanup effort are being provided by the Unified Command, paid for by the responsible party at this time, and drop offs could potentially slow down the agency’s response.)