Building Consensus to Solve a Decades-Long IssueBuilding Consensus to Solve a Decades-Long Issue
June 2012June 2012
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What Was the Situation?What Was the Situation?
For several decades the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board debated how best to clean up sediment in San Diego Bay generated from 100 years of industrial activities around the Bay
Several clean-up plans of varying size and scope were considered over the years but none were adopted
By late 2011, they were considering a middle-ground approach balancing the needs of industry and environment
A public hearing was held in November 2011 to determine whether to adopt this order, change the scope, or start all over again
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Financial risk to NASSCO
(Cost of clean up plan)
Strength and credibility of opposition
(EHC / Coastkeeper)
Duration of the issue (20+ years)
Number of parties involved and lack of consensus between those parties
What Were the Challenges?What Were the Challenges?
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Who Was Involved?Who Was Involved?
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Campaign Objective and Strategic ApproachCampaign Objective and Strategic Approach
OBJECTIVE:
Through the use of third-parties, NASSCO would ensure that the Regional Water Board adopt the tentative Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) in its current format
STRATEGIES:
1.Develop and use a research-based message platform
2.Engage elected officials to urge support
3.Create positive media coverage
4.Build and mobilize a broad third-party coalition supporting the order
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Research-Based Message PlatformResearch-Based Message Platform
Key Opinion Leader Audit (22 community and industry stakeholders) High-paying and quality jobs considered strongest contributions by shipyards
Public Opinion Survey (604 San Diego Voters Polled) Widespread and strong support for the cleanup plan Naval operations, by far, are seen as the most important future
use for San Diego Bay General Dynamics NASSCO is well known and respected Jobs and economic concerns are top voter concerns
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Message PlatformMessage Platform
Third Parties
1.The Water Board developed this cleanup plan after many years of working with stakeholders in the area.
2.This order would protect San Diego Bay so it can safely be used for the activities that people enjoy in this area such as marine life, recreation and watersports.
3.As developed by the Board’s team of professional scientists, the plan balances environmental and economic considerations by focusing on the most critical areas and implementing a reasonable and effective way to clean them up.
NASSCO
1.We are committed to working with the Water Board to find a balanced solution that cleans the Bay and protects the maritime industry in San Diego.
2.We have been involved in seeking a solution to this issue for many years, proactively bringing all of the involved parties to the table to resolve this issue.
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Elected Officials: Who Was Engaged?Elected Officials: Who Was Engaged?
• California State Senator Juan Vargas• California State Assemblymember Ben Hueso• San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox• City of San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders• City of San Diego Councilmember David Alvarez
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Elected Officials: How Did They Support?Elected Officials: How Did They Support?
San Diego Mayor• Championed meeting of named parties
Support Letters to Water Board• Senator Juan Vargas• Assemblymember Ben Hueso• Supervisor Greg Cox
Public Testimony• Senator Juan Vargas• Assemblymember Ben Hueso• Supervisor Greg Cox
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Creating Positive Media CoverageCreating Positive Media Coverage
Opinion Editorial Co-authored by Senator Juan Vargas and
Assemblymember Ben Hueso
Letters to the Editor Employees Third party supporters
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Building a Broad CoalitionBuilding a Broad Coalition
Shipyard Employees
San Diego Labor Groups San Diego and Imperial Valley Labor Council Boiler Makers Union Local 1998 IAMAW District Lodge 1947
Community-Based Organizations Barrio Logan Smart Growth Coalition SDMAC Industrial Environmental Association Groundwork San Diego
Business Associations San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce San Diego Port Tenants Association Working Waterfront Group Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association
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Mobilizing the CoalitionMobilizing the Coalition
Support Letters Employee Training Ship Repair Email Campaign Public Testimony Port Tenants Hearing Presentation
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