HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 - Proclaiming the Termination of the Local Emergency Related to the Oil Spill in the Pacific Ocean - CorrespondenceReceived After Agenda Printed
November 16, 2021
Mulvey, Jennifer Item No. 4
Subject: FW: Public Comment for Agenda Item #4 Resolution No. 2021-107:
From: Morris, Melissa <mmorris(aDoceana.org>
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 1:17:49 PM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: City Clerk's Office <CityClerk@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Public Comment for Agenda Item #4 Resolution No. 2021-107:
Hello,
Please find my public comment for tomorrow's meeting is copied below.
Good evening, my name is Melissa Morris. I'm the Southern California Field Representative for the nonprofit
organization Oceana.
Thank you for considering a resolution to oppose new offshore drilling -- I want to applaud the leadership
of Councilmember Brenner on her support for this resolution.
In the aftermath of the devastating oil spill last month, Huntington Beach City Council took definitive action and passed a
resolution in opposition to offshore oil drilling.
After experiencing oil spill disaster after oil spill disaster, there is simply no excuse for our oceans to remain open to
offshore oil drilling. From toxic oil spills closing our beaches to greenhouse gas emissions accelerating the climate crisis,
it's well past time to stop expanding offshore drilling and permanently protect our coasts.
If you pass this resolution tonight, Newport Beach will join 100 other cities, counties and towns along the West Coast to
formally oppose expanded offshore drilling. You will become part of a strong and bipartisan coalition consisting of nearly
400 communities nationwide, every Governor on the West and East coast, the Business Alliance for Protecting the
Pacific Coast — an alliance of more than 7,500 West Coast businesses numerous fishing interests including the Pacific
Fishery Management Council and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Association, as well as the Federation of
California Coastal Commission, California Fish and Game Commission, and California State Lands Commission.
Time after time, when we are faced with industry -caused disasters, we are told by those responsible that oil spills are
rare occurrences. The ruptured pipeline and ensuing spill along Huntington Beach have been a tragic confirmation of
what we have known for far too long — offshore drilling is dirty and dangerous, and when they drill, they spill.
Oceana supports Newport Beach City Council's resolution calling for a permanent ban on new offshore oil and gas
drilling in all U.S. waters, including off the coast of California. We urge the council to vote in support of
the resolution and added at the next council meeting.
Thank you,
Melissa Morris I Field Representative, Southern California
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San Diego, California
Pro nouns:She/Her/Hers
T +305-333-9646
E mmorris@oceana.orgI W usa.oceana.org