Each spring, activists from across the country unite in a powerful show of civic engagement during Surfrider's Coastal Recreation Hill Days. This year’s virtual fly-in broke records: in just two days, 175+ participants from 88 chapters and student clubs hosted 140+ congressional meetings to champion ocean-friendly policies.
Surfrider Washington focused its advocacy on three critical fronts:
Defend NOAA
Many federal agencies are under attack. From the EPA to NOAA, these federal agencies provide critical funding, resources, and support necessary to maintain healthy marine ecosystems and resilient coastal communities. Defending NOAA programs is a top priority.
Fund & Strengthen the BEACH Act
Boost federal funding from under $10M toward the full $15M (still just half of the $30M authorized) —supporting water-quality testing, public health, and our local Blue Water Task Force. Reauthorization of the BEACH Act would also allow these funds to be used for source tracking so that we can address chronic sources of pollution.
Ban New Offshore Oil Drilling
Washington’s delegation backed the West Coast Protection Act, joining calls to halt oil leases across U.S. federal waters to safeguard coastal communities and marine ecosystems
Washington’s team, coordinated by Policy Manager Pete Steelquist and volunteers from Olympia, Northwest Straits, South Sound, Grays Harbor, Seattle, and the OPC, held meetings with six House members and one Senator—all receptive to our asks and many who have been long time supporters of our work and strong allies to our mission.
For the second year in a row, Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula Chapter joined Hill Days virtually. Their delegation met with staff from Senators Sullivan and Murkowski, emphasizing how disproportionately impacted Alaskan communities are by the federal cuts to NOAA programs.
Track and support the bills: Use Surfrider action tools to contact your representatives.
Amplify the ask: Share posts and updates from Surfrider chapters on social media.
Join future Hill Days: Interested in participating in a Hill Days? Email Pete Steelquist or check with your local chapter leaders who've done it. Here are some testimonials from some of our amazing advocates:
"Even though I had worked on two Environmental Lobby Days at the State level, I was way impressed by how well orchestrated Surfrider’s presentations were. Beginning with Hill Day Trainings which were presented to Surfrider activists across the nation and on to the prep meetings with our state activists, everything was well planned and well executed. I had the opportunity to help present Surfrider’s “asks” to the staff of five Congresspersons and one Senator. What struck me the most, apart from the incessant bickering between the Surfrider professionals, was how useful these meetings were. Most of the legislators we spoke with were on our side even before we met, but time and again they thanked us, especially the volunteers, not Pete, for providing them with firsthand anecdotes and information which will help them make our case to their legislative colleagues. I came away even more enthusiastic about the effectiveness of Surfrider’s advocacy for a better planet."
~ Joe McGee, Olympia Chapter Blue Water Task Force Coordinator
Surfrider Washington’s Hill Days initiative is more than advocacy—it’s a movement. By raising coastal voices and fostering real relationships with federal lawmakers, we’re helping shape a future of clean water and healthy beaches for all beings.