View of Cojo Anchorage in the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. (Image credit: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA)
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October 12, 2024 - WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, issued the following statement after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, which will be the third largest in the national sanctuary system and the first Tribally-nominated sanctuary in the United States:
“After years of advocacy, today’s announcement finally honors the Chumash people’s sacred waters as a National Marine Sanctuary and safeguards a vibrant and diverse Central Coast ecosystem. This sanctuary designation marks a hard-fought victory for the Chumash people, our conservation priorities, and the responsible development of offshore wind as California strives to meet its ambitious clean energy goals. Thanks to this designation and sanctuary management plan, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians will play an active role in preserving their traditions and managing these important cultural and ecosystem resources. I’m glad to have worked alongside NOAA officials, Tribal leaders, local stakeholders, and my House colleagues to ensure these vital marine and cultural resources can thrive for years to come.”
Related: California’s U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and Rep. Salud Carbajal Welcome Final Environmental Impact Statement for Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary - Includes 4,543 Square Miles of Coastal and Offshore Waters Along the Coast of Central CA.
The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary was originally proposed by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council in July 2015, and the Commerce Department moved the proposed sanctuary into the designation phase in November 2021. NOAA wrapped up the final public comment period in October 2023 and issued their final environmental impact statement (EIS) last month.
As part of their recent final EIS for the Sanctuary, NOAA announced a preferred alternative boundary that will protect 4,543 square miles, encompassing 116 miles along the coastline and up to 60 miles from the shore to support environmental and Tribal priorities off the Central Coast while supporting state and national offshore wind development goals. Senator Padilla welcomed the announcement.
Importantly, the Sanctuary management plan will support co-stewardship with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
The offshore wind projects in development off the coast of California represent the nation’s first-ever floating offshore wind and will support California’s goal of producing 25 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2045. They will also be a significant contributor to the Administration’s goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030 and 15 GW of floating offshore wind capacity by 2035. Earlier this year, Senator Padilla and Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24) wrote to NOAA to express their strong support for swiftly designating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary while facilitating the development of offshore wind energy.
Padilla also applauded NOAA’s release last year of the draft designation for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the central coast of California. Last May, he and other California lawmakers urged the Biden-Harris Administration to prioritize completing the designation phase, emphasizing the potential benefits of the proposed sanctuary, such as protecting California marine life, recognizing the Native American stewardship of the coastal waters, and supporting the $1.7 trillion coastal economy.
Source: Senator Alex Padilla
