Riding the wave to the Capitol.
Written by Partner Paula Slayton, Vice Chair of Executive Committee and Beach Guardian with Surfrider Foundation, Maine
Today I spoke to Senators and Representatives on behalf of the Maine Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, to urge them to take action on important issues that our state, and the entire nation, are facing.
Our team tackled hard issues to help protect our coasts and ocean by pushing for bills to be passed that would ensure clean water, stop plastic pollution, and prohibit new offshore oil drilling. My role was to push them to support FY25 funding of the EPA BEACH Act and co-sponsor the BEACH Act of 2024.
My earliest memories of Maine start with stories my mom would tell me about how the fisherman took care of her and my grandmother during WWII when my grandfather was at war, making sure that they had enough food and water while he was away.
Since then, summer vacations have led to permanent addresses for my parents (Veazie), my daughter (Brunswick) and seasonally for me in Phippsburg.
In the past few years Maine, and much of New England, have seen an uptick in coastal storms. This, plus the rise in sea levels, is causing flooding that overwhelms antiquated septic systems, causing sewage spill-over and runoff that threatens the safety of the beaches and the ocean life. More frequent water testing at more locations is crucial to ensuring the public’s safety and protecting our greatest resource.
Currently, Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force assists with testing but our reach is limited to the number of volunteers we have.
Increasing federal funding for the BEACH Act will increase the amount of testing that can be done and provide consistent, real-time results allowing for public notification and actionable plans. With increased testing year-round we can equip towns and municipalities with the information they need to address these problems and reduce the risk of illness from contaminated ocean water and ultimately drinking water.
Standing up for what you believe in takes guts and persistence. This is just a small piece of what Surfrider Foundation does and I’m honored to be a part of it.
To learn more about Surfrider, the BEACH Act 2024, and Recreation Lobby Day, click here.
