Republican Congresswoman Michelle Steel took action this week to restore Orange County’s beaches after a disastrous oil spill off the coast. Steel is urging President Biden to authorize a Major Disaster Declaration for Orange County after the possible ecological disaster.
“Constituents who live along the shoreline are already dealing with tar balls and strong odors,” Steel continued. “I am encouraged by officials already responding to protect sea life. Dead fish and birds are being reported on beaches and shorelines.”
NEWS: I sent a letter to @GavinNewsom this morning urging him to join me in requesting a major disaster declaration from @POTUS for Orange County following the devastating oil spill impacting our community. This is imperative as we continue cleanup and relief efforts.
Read: pic.twitter.com/msMElFmbBK
— Rep. Michelle Steel (@RepSteel) October 4, 2021
The spill of 126,000 gallons has put much of OC’s wildlife at risk with many fearing disastrous results as the oil reaches OC’s wetlands and marshes. Local officials have closed beaches to protect residents.
Prior to the spill, Steel had taken a strong stance toward fighting erosion along Orange County beaches. Earlier in 2021, Steel called on the federal government to step in and help prevent an ecological catastrophe. She secured the funding, keeping the coastline from reaching the point of harmful erosion.
“Without action by the Federal Government, coastal Orange County is susceptible to dangerous flooding,” said Steel via a press release. “Shoreline projection through regular sand nourishment is our frontline defense from a potentially devastating flood event.”
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