Meeting Overview
During the October 9-12 meeting in San Diego, the Coastal Commission took significant actions on a variety of issues. Notably, the Commission voted to send an urgent letter to the federal government, calling for an emergency declaration in response to ongoing pollution from the Tijuana River affecting Imperial Beach. The Commission also approved a coastal development permit for a beachfront residence in Dana Point, with strict conditions requiring future removal if sea level rise impacts public trust lands. In another vote, the Commission officially "objected" SpaceX’s proposal to increase rocket launches at Vandenberg, highlighting environmental and public access concerns and requiring SpaceX to submit a Coastal Development Permit.
Issues voted on at this meeting:
Other Discussions
Update on the Trans-Boundary Pollution Crisis
During the October meeting, the Coastal Commission voted to send a crucial letter to the federal government and the Biden administration, urging a declaration of emergency in light of the ongoing environmental crises affecting Imperial Beach and the trans-boundary region. Residents have been suffering from deteriorating air and water quality due to pollution from the Tijuana River and the surrounding valley.
The Commission highlighted the alarming conditions in Imperial Beach, where pollution has severely impacted the health and quality of life of local communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to investigate these concerns, and the Commission expressed hope that their involvement would prompt swift action to address the dire situation.
Recent efforts to combat the Tijuana River pollution crisis include coordinated activities among various agencies to mitigate its impacts and protect public health. The Commission remains committed to monitoring the situation closely and advocating for solutions that prioritize the well-being of affected residents.
SpaceX Consistency Determination
On Thursday, the Commission reviewed a consistency determination submitted by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) regarding an increase in SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB). The proposed plan aims to raise the number of annual launches from 36 to 50 and includes up to 50 at-sea landings of rocket stages. While the DAF contends that this expansion supports critical U.S. national security objectives, concerns persist regarding the environmental impact on coastal access, marine wildlife, and debris management.
ActCoastal partner, Surfrider Foundation, opposed the increase, emphasizing the need for a cautious approach, stating, “It is premature to increase the number of launches when the monitoring effort is only just beginning.” This sentiment echoes broader apprehensions that the rapid increase from just six launches a few years ago may compromise ongoing efforts to assess environmental impacts and uphold public access rights at affected beaches, particularly Jalama Beach County Park.
Commissioners also voiced concerns over SpaceX's rapid increase in launches. The discussion highlighted the urgency of analyzing monitoring to safeguard marine life and ensure human impacts were minimized, such as sonic booms. The Commission ultimately decided to reject the current consistency determination, stressing that SpaceX, as a private entity, must submit a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to ensure lawful operations and adherence to coastal management regulations. This decision marks a pivotal moment in California's regulatory landscape for commercial rocket launches and underscores the Commission's role in championing environmental protection and public resource stewardship.
Dana Point Beachfront Residence Approval
The Commission approved a coastal development permit for a new 4,132 sq. ft. residence on a highly vulnerable, oceanfront lot on Beach Road in Capistrano Beach, Dana Point. The project includes an elevated caisson foundation to address flooding and sea level rise and strong conditions are required to minimize impacts on public access and coastal resources.
Check out our vote charts for more information!