On April 29 and 30, five Surfrider volunteers from across Oregon joined over 180 other ocean lovers from 28 states and territories for Surfrider Foundation’s 10th Annual Coastal Recreation Hill Day. It was all virtual again this year, but that didn’t stop us from showing up strong—together we held nearly 130 meetings with Congressional offices to speak up for clean water, healthy beaches, and thriving coastal communities.
Talking with Oregon’s Lawmakers
Our Oregon team met with the offices of Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Jeff Merkley, and Representatives Val Hoyle, Suzanne Bonamici, and Maxine Dexter. These meetings gave us space to share what’s really happening on our coastlines—and why we need strong federal support.
What We Talked About
This year, Surfrider had 3 key federal priorities for Hill Day:
- Clean water: We pushed for full funding of the BEACH Act, which helps states test and share beach water quality results. Right now, that funding is at risk— the President’s 2026 budget is again a joke, eliminating many of the EPA programs we care about. We're asking congress to not only retain, but increase decades old authorizations. Senator Wyden is playing a key leadership role in these efforts!
- Defending NOAA: We talked about how critical NOAA is—from coastal science and fisheries data to emergency response and weather monitoring. Slashing its budget means communities lose vital services and knowledge.
- No new offshore drilling: Offshore oil drilling has no place in a just and sustainable future. It’s risky, outdated, and harmful to the places we love—so we asked Congress to keep the pressure on and keep our coasts drill-free. The president's terriblly agressive 5-year offshore oil and gas lease plan looms and congressional offices must act regionally to play defense!
Stories from the Coast
What made these meetings powerful wasn’t just policy—it was the people.
Get to know our Oregon delegation below:
Dave Lacey (Curry County), owner and operator of South Coast Tours, Dave's entire business model depends on a healthy ocean with vibrant ecosystems and wildlife opportunities. His stories about the importance of clean water for his kayaking and paddling tours to the critical role of NOAA in accurate forecasting for the safety of his clients and employees were powerful.
Tom Olbrich (Portland Chapter), retired lifelong Oregonian, Tom has traveled the world and seen the very real impacts of climate change on our ocean ecosystems well beyond our side of the planet. From the barrier reefs of Australia to the Maldives, Tom was able to link together critical actions needed here in the US, like eliminating offshore oil and gas drilling, in being a global leader in climate change. As a grandfather, Tom sees the imminent actions needed for generational change.
Cristen Don (Newport Chapter), a longtime marine science professional, recently made the jump from ODFW to NOAA—only to be laid off in the new administration’s budget cuts. Her story was a powerful reminder of how political decisions affect real people, and why NOAA matters to science, fisheries, and community trust.
Hunter Williams (Portland Chapter / North Coast), a surfer and avid recreational user, Hunter spends a significant amount of time in the water and can personally speak to role of clean water in staying healthy! Whether near his property on the north coast or traveling up and down the west coast to surf, Hunter has been exposed to all kinds of beaches from the more contaminated to those more pristine and understands the critical role of EPA monitoring programs.
Charlie Plybon (Newport), it's me:)! As the Senior Oregon Policy Manager with Surfrider Foundation, I've been through many a budget and administrative cycles - the good, the bad and the ugliest. I've garnered many perspectives on the role of Congress in my 20 years working on ocean policy issues with Surfrider Foundation and importantly how to help our individuals in Oregon also play a role in advocating and influencing change.
What’s Next?
Even without traveling to D.C. this year, the energy was electric. Hill Day showed us that raising our voices matters—and when we bring stories, solutions, and passion, real change is possible.
Want to be part of the next one? Reach out to your local Surfrider chapter and let them know you're interested in federal advocacy. No experience needed—just your voice and your love for the coast.
🌊 Read the national recap here: From the Coast to Congress – Surfrider’s Hill Day Makes a Splash in D.C.