By Bo Tefu and Joe W. Bowers | California Black Media
California officials are preparing to challenge federal plans to allow new offshore oil and gas drilling along the state’s coast, warning the proposal threatens coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and the state’s clean energy goals. Gov. Gavin Newsom, speaking at COP30 in Brazil, called the plan “dead on arrival” in California. “We will do everything in our power to protect California’s coastline, our communities, and our environment from this reckless proposal,” he said.
The Trump administration reportedly plans six offshore lease sales off California between 2027 and 2030, the first new drilling along the Pacific Coast in decades. State leaders argue the plan undermines the state’s ambitious climate agenda and risks economic losses to tourism, fisheries, and recreation industries.
Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis also spoke out against the plan, saying, “California will not stand by while federal officials gamble with our environment and economy. Our coastlines are irreplaceable, and our residents deserve protection from oil spills and environmental degradation.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta added, “We are prepared to use every legal tool at our disposal to stop these leases. California’s laws, communities, and environment come first.”
Environmental groups have joined state leaders in opposition. Pete Stauffer, Ocean Protection Manager at the Surfrider Foundation, said, “The federal administration’s offshore oil drilling plan will damage coastlines and communities while threatening coastal recreation and tourism industries that contribute billions of dollars to our nation’s economy.”
Advocates including Oceana, NRDC, and Earthjustice warned that expanded drilling could trigger oil spills, harm marine life, and endanger public health.
Industry analysts note Pacific Coast leases may be less attractive than Gulf leases due to stricter regulations and limited infrastructure. California has avoided offshore drilling since the 1980s, following the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, which sparked the modern environmental movement.
California’s opposition aligns with a broader coalition of lawmakers and advocacy groups. Earlier this year, Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA-2) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6), led a letter signed by more than 100 congressional members urging the administration to halt new offshore leases.
Padilla emphasized, “Opening new offshore leases off our coasts threatens the environment, coastal economies, and communities that depend on a healthy ocean. We cannot allow short-term fossil fuel interests to outweigh public safety and economic security.”
Newsom added, “California will defend its communities, environment, and economy against this unnecessary and risky drilling initiative.”
