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Del Norte supervisors direct staff to draft letter on NOAA evaluation, with split views on scope and timing
Summary
After a briefing from Thorn Run Partners, the board directed staff to draft a comment letter on the NOAA evaluation of California's coastal management program; some supervisors urged the letter also address potential offshore leasing impacts and to be ready for August public meetings.
The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors voted to direct staff to draft a letter responding to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s evaluation of the California Coastal Management program, with the intent of returning the draft for board consideration before the federal comment deadline.
Supervisor Starkey argued the county should not remain silent on potential impacts from federal offshore leasing and proposed directing staff to prepare a letter outlining local concerns about fisheries, tourism and coastal environments. “I think we're missing an opportunity here to make a statement… how offshore drilling would impact Del Norte County and our coastline,” Starkey said.
Greg Burns of Thorn Run Partners advised the board that, based on current documents, the NOAA review appears primarily focused on the California Coastal Commission’s processes rather than an immediate offshore lease sale, though separate processes could follow. Burns recommended preparing a draft letter and refining it after the August public meetings and the subsequent 10‑day comment window.
Some supervisors, including Supervisor Howard, cautioned against conflating distinct federal processes, saying the board should focus comments on the Coastal Management Act evaluation and avoid mixing broader BOEM leasing scenarios into the same letter. The board agreed to have staff prepare a draft letter so the board could consider it at its next meeting and after the August public meetings.
Next steps: Staff and Thorn Run Partners will prepare a draft letter for the board to review at a future meeting, timed to the August public meetings and the August 22 comment deadline.
