Board approves county comment on Coastal Management Program; public urges stronger offshore-drilling opposition

Del Norte County’s Board of Supervisors approved a county comment letter on the Section 312 evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program after an extended public-comment period in which several residents urged the board to take a stronger stand against offshore oil and to emphasize fisheries and salmon protection.

Public commenter Kevin Hendrick told the board: "The letter before you is factual, polite, and diplomatic. I encourage you to vote today to send it." Another public commenter urged explicit language opposing offshore drilling and questioned consistency in the county’s approach to environmental issues. Several supervisors noted that the Section 312 evaluation is a review of California’s coastal program and not necessarily a direct vehicle for all offshore-drilling policy, but also acknowledged that county comments express local priorities. Supervisor Howard warned of potential federal funding repercussions, saying in part: "I've expressed my concerns about this specifically... the administration has very much targeted the California Coastal Commission and the California Coastal Act..." The vote passed with a mix of yes and no votes recorded: at least two supervisors voted no while others voted yes, and the chair declared the motion carried.