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Residents urge stronger action on offshore wind cables and barge activity; council says zoning cannot block federal marine projects
Summary
Public commenters raised safety and speed concerns about proposed offshore wind-related activity near Long Beach, including a barge and cable work; the council said local zoning cannot stop federal ocean projects but pledged to continue advocacy and write letters to federal authorities.
Multiple residents told the City Council on July 1 they are worried about offshore wind‑project activity — including barges, cables and heavy equipment — and potential safety risks because some work is located near a local fault line. Commenters urged faster action, additional oversight and written appeals to federal agencies.
Karen Riskin said she observed heavy materials being moved and expressed fear that rapid construction could produce inferior work that would “backfire.” She asked the council to press for speedier but safe action to protect the community. “I was over there, and I didn't see them. I don't know where they went, but somebody told me they saw them there,” Riskin said of large cylinders she believes were moved to a barge.
Council member (Reinhart) responded that local zoning applies only to land within Long Beach and cannot prevent activities on federal waters. “The zoning will not prevent the work to happen in the ocean. The zoning only is for Long Beach proper. We don't control the zoning of the ocean,” Reinhart said, adding that the council will continue to write letters and advocate to state and federal authorities. The council also said it had passed a local moratorium several months earlier on certain related activity within its jurisdiction.
Why it matters: Offshore wind development and associated cable work are often sited in federal waters; local concerns about cable routing, barges and seismic risk along fault lines raise community safety and environmental questions. Long Beach officials said they will continue to press higher authorities while acknowledging legal limits to local control.
What’s next: The council pledged ongoing advocacy and to continue writing formal letters to relevant agencies; residents asked for clearer public information on site activity and safety analyses.
Ending: Council members and residents said they will continue to meet and press for clearer information on ocean work and cable routing.
