1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the recent efforts by the Trump Administration and the Department of the Interior to dismantle critical environmental protections for our public lands, national parks, and marine sanctuaries. The alarming decisions to expand oil drilling, eliminate national monuments, defund marine sanctuaries, and curtail scientific research threaten not only our environment but also the long-term health and sustainability of our natural resources. I was particularly disturbed to learn that: A groundbreaking mountain lion research project in the Santa Monica Mountains has been canceled. A new uranium mine is being proposed in the Lake Casitas Watershed, which could threaten local water supplies. Logging is being expanded in Los Padres National Forest, impacting critical wildlife habitat. Oil drilling is being expanded near the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, threatening one of the last strongholds of the endangered California condor. The administration has authorized new oil and gas drilling platforms in federal waters off the Santa Barbara Channel—without environmental review or public input. The first lease sale is scheduled for this spring. National monuments across the West, including the Carrizo Plain National Monument, are being downsized or eliminated by executive order. Funding for the Channel Islands and Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuaries is being completely cut in the next fiscal year. Urban national parks, such as the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, are being considered for elimination. These actions are a direct assault on our nation’s natural heritage and the rights of the American people to enjoy and protect their public lands. Removing public input from environmental decision-making and prioritizing extractive industries over conservation is unacceptable. I urge you to take immediate action to: 1. Oppose any attempts to expand oil drilling in the Santa Barbara Channel and other sensitive federal waters. 2. Protect national monuments, marine sanctuaries, and national parks from elimination or defunding. 3. Advocate for full environmental reviews and public participation in all federal land-use decisions. 4. Restore funding for critical conservation and scientific research programs. The American people overwhelmingly support the protection of public lands, and we need leaders like you to stand up against these destructive policies. I ask that you use your voice and your office to defend our natural heritage, uphold environmental laws, and ensure that decisions about our lands and waters reflect the public interest—not just the interests of private corporations. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and to seeing how you will work to protect our public lands for future generations.