Surfrider Foundation’s Environmental Initiatives

Texas Chapters Conference Presentation on February 21, 2015

Master Campaign Spreadsheet Discussed Every Month

Beach Access•Surfrider Beach Access Policy:

– “Surfrider Foundation views beach access as a universal right. Surfrider Foundation works to secure universal, low-impact beach access for all people. Surfrider Foundation’s members live, work, visit, and recreate on and near the world’s beaches, and are impacted by beach access limitations.”

“The public has an inherent right of access to and along all beaches and shorelines situated below the upper reaches of the wash of the waves.”

Types of Access: Vertical, Horizontal, Surf Access, Parking/Amenities,Viewshed

What is the Clean Water Initiative?• Reducing water pollution so it’s safe to surf,

swim & play in the ocean.• Programs: BWTF, OFG & RAP• Resources: Brochure, Beachapedia, COI film &

Ocean Illness Form https://sickatthebeach.crowdmap.com/

• Research: Surfer Illness Study (SD) & Pesticide Study (HI)

• Campaigns: fed, state & local

Rise Above Plastics• Mission: To reduce the impacts of plastics in the

marine environment by raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and by advocating for a reduction of single-use plastics and the recycling of all plastics.

• Engagement– 79% of Chapters have RAP Campaigns– 45% have RAP Committees

• RAP program includes Bag Bans, Smoke Free Beaches, Bag Fees, Microbead Campaigns, Bottle Redemptions, Increased Recycling efforts

Surfrider’s Coastal Preservation Initiative

 Issues Include:-Coastal Armoring (including Seawalls, Revetments, Geotubes, Sand Bags, etc…)-Addressing Coastal Development-Beach Fill/Sand Replenishment -Sea Level Rise (SLR) and Climate Change Adaptation-Dam Removal

Ocean Protection

Planning for the future use & conservation of ocean

Initiative Priorities• Recreation studies• Oppose seismic testing off Atlantic and new offshore drilling• Marine Protected Areas• Ocean Energy • Protection for special places!

Texas Initiative Topics

• Beach Access by Ellis Pickett & Cliff Schlabach• Coastal Preservation by Rob Nixon, Jonathon

Tromm & Ellis Pickett• Skip the Plastic by Neil McQueen• Texas Bottle Bill by Mary Wood (Texans for

Clean Water)

Lobbying Rules • Federally

– IRS requires an “insubstantial part” of overall activities can be spent on lobbying efforts

– 501(h) expenditure election means a specified amount of money can be spent, on a rolling scale (approx. 5-10%)

• Texas– Governed by the Texas Ethics Commission Report Expenditures through your

Treasurer’s Report– If entity spends more than $500 in calendar quarter, must register

• Additional Tools:– Alliance for Justice: http://www.afj.org/for-nonprofits-foundations/ – Memos on Nonpartisan Activities and Lobbying Activities– In-house legal counsel

Lobbying Rules (cont.)• Reporting

– Any dollars spent on legislative advocacy should be reported through the Treasurer’s Report

• Exceptions– Testifying at a hearing in response to a request by legislative office– Educating members about legislation (without a call to action)– Publication of non-partisan research and studies

• Additional Concerns– Please inform our Staff/Legal Department before your Chapter embarks on a

state or local ballot initiative or referendum process. We must research the campaign finance rules that apply.

– Surfrider is non-partisan and cannot endorse candidates, but we can hold a candidate forum that treats all candidates equally

Speaking at a Public Hearing:Best Practicesand Tips

• Be Prepared– Know your subject matter– Know what you are going to say– Practice, practice, practice

• Speak to your Audience• Know The Rules

– Time Limits– Item Number– What visuals are allowed

• Be Polite

AND…Dress AppropriatelyRelaxTell Your StoryMake it MeaningfulMake Eye Contact

Questions or Comments?

• Angela Howe– ahowe@surfrider.org

• Thank you for your attention!