June 22, 2014
Should Beach Privatization Be Allowed?
Introduction
Martin’s Beach, a popular surfing and fishing spot in Half Moon Bay, Calif., has been closed to the public by the property owner. Robert Galbraith/ReutersThe owner of a popular surf beach in California has closed it to the public — setting off waves of outrage and a legal battle.
Though the rules of public beach access differ from state to state, the “public trust doctrine” ensures that the water and the part of the beach covered by high tide belong to all. But that can be rendered moot when property owners close off access to the public.
Is privatization of beaches appropriate? Should those with beachfront homes have to open their land to all comers?
Read the Discussion »Debaters
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An American Right and Environmental Necessity
Broader public access to beaches will put us in a better position to manage the effects of climate change.
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Allow the Free Market to Protect the Environment
People tend to take care of the things they own and neglect the things they don’t.
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Private Property Should Not Be Confiscated
Privatization is not a threat. The threat is a government that can take over private property without compensating the owners.
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Assets in Which We’ve All Invested
As Americans, we expect to see benefits from the taxes we pay. Much of the nation's coastlines have been shaped by federal, state and local dollars.
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