Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02) have announced the launch of the Congressional California Coastal Caucus at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. The caucus will bring together members of the California House delegation to share and discuss federal policy to address matters of importance to the 840-mile California coast, including issues relating to the environment and economy. Congressman Lieu and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) will serve as co-chairs of the caucus. Additional members of the caucus include U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell, Nanette Barragan, Alan Lowenthal, Jimmy Panetta, Jared Huffman, Mike Levin, Ro Khanna, Jackie Speier, Salud Carbajal, Barbara Lee, and Anna Eshoo.
Congressmembers Lieu and Huffman participated in a tour of The Marine Mammal Center, followed by a roundtable discussion moderated by Carol Costello with Dr. Jeff Boehm, Chief Executive Officer of The Marine Mammal Center, and Dr. Cara Field, Medical Director of The Marine Mammal Center, on the importance of the ocean in the fight against climate change.
“I am thrilled to announce the launch of the California Coastal Caucus, and grateful to The Marine Mammal Center for hosting us today to discuss the importance of our oceans and marine life,” said Co-Chair Rep. Lieu. “California is home to 840 miles of Pacific coastline and has the highest coastal population in the nation with over 26 million people living in coastal counties. The ocean is critically important to the people I represent in CA-33, as it provides work, food, and enjoyment to my constituents. Tragically, our oceans, marine life, beaches, and coastlines are in grave danger due to the existential threat of climate change. Now is the time for bold action. I’m pleased to join my co-chair, Representative Brownley, and Representative Huffman today to announce the formation of the California Coastal Caucus and look forward to working together to develop policies to effectively address a host of coastal issues and support our oceans.”
Submitted by Jenna Bushnell
