On May 14–15, five Surfrider volunteers from across Oregon joined over 170 other ocean lovers from 28 states and territories for Surfrider Foundation’s 9th 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 over 120 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 Jeff Merkley, and Representatives Val Hoyle, Suzanne Bonamici, Janelle Bynum, and Andrea Salinas. 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 three federal priorities for Hill Day:
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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—there’s a proposed 55% cut to EPA programs in the President’s 2026 budget, which would be devastating.
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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.
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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 It’s risky, outdated, and harmful to the places we love—so we asked Congress to keep the pressure on and keep our coasts drill-free.
Stories from the Coast
What made these meetings powerful wasn’t just policy—it was the people.
Get to know our Oregon delegation below:
Amanda Beaver (Portland Chapter Co-Chair) shared her lens as a public health professional and outdoor lover. She talked about how Surfrider gives her hope and community, and how programs like Green Streets in Portland are making a real difference.
Lacey Buck (Portland Chapter Co-Chair) grew up near L.A. and remembers how offshore drilling shaped her hometown. For her, beaches were (and still are) one of the few affordable, joyful places for families to gather—and she wants to protect that.
Vince Pappalardo (Newport Chapter) shared a vivid childhood memory of stepping on a tar ball in California—an experience that deeply shaped his concerns about offshore drilling. Today, he manages facilities for coastal housing and depends on NOAA data in his daily work.
Kyle Motley (Coos Bay Chapter) focused on water quality. His chapter’s Blue Water Task Force is their best tool for tracking pollution, but it’s not enough. He shared real stories about surfers getting sick and the urgent need for federal investment in clean water protections.
Dr. Sarah Wolf (Portland Chapter) served as Hill Day Captain this year. I work as the Aquaculture Marine Debris Policy Fellow in partnership with Oregon Sea Grant, a NOAA-funded program. I enjoyed supporting our volunteers by sharing key policy asks and amplifying their powerful stories. I even got to meet with my own Congresswoman’s office, which felt especially meaningful as a constituent speaking up for my community.
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 Ocean Champs Take Action in D.C.
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