To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Board of Supervisors
Meeting Date: June 24, 2025
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Williams |
Phone: |
707-463-4221 |
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Norvell |
Phone: |
707-463-4221 |
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Item Type: Consent Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Ratification of Letter of Opposition to Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Along the California Coastline
(Sponsors: Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Norvell)
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Ratify letter of letter of opposition to offshore oil and gas drilling along the California coastline.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
The Board of Supervisors regularly issues support letters that align with the 2025 Legislative Platform. These letters advocate for adequate and ongoing federal and state funding, timely distribution of resources, increased local authority, and flexibility in administering and providing services.
Summary of Request:
In response to the renewed federal emphasis on offshore oil and gas development, including the current Administration's announcement to reopen leasing across 625 million acres of federal waters, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors felt it necessary to articulate its opposition to any new or expanded offshore drilling activities along the coast of California.
While the current federal five-year offshore leasing program (10th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2024-2029) includes no lease sales in the Pacific, it does not preclude future leasing activity. No lease sales have been held in the Pacific since 1984, though 30 active leases remain off Southern California. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) estimates the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) holds a mean undiscovered oil and gas resource volume of 13.06 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BBOE).
Despite decades of congressional moratoria, Presidential withdrawals, and unified opposition from California, Oregon, and Washington, the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) has not been included in any leasing program since the early 1990's. However, this could change with the next offshore leasing program. The Department of the Interior initiated a public engagement process for the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program. On April 30, 2025, BOEM opened a 45-day public comment period, which ended on June 16, 2025, as the first step in this multi-year planning effort.
Increased federal efforts to allow resource extraction on federal lands are raising concerns among coastal communities. While California has consistently opposed offshore drilling, it lacks jurisdiction over federal waters that begin three miles offshore.
Mendocino County's coastline is part of a globally significant marine ecosystem that supports commercial fisheries, tribal cultural practices, tourism, and local economies. Offshore drilling poses substantial risks, including oil spills, seismic disturbances, and long-term harm to marine biodiversity. These threats endanger the county's coastal economy, which is closely tied to maintaining a clean and healthy ocean.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Do not ratify letter of support and provide alternative direction.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: District 4, District 5
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management <https://www.boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/national-program/national-ocs-oil-and-gas-leasing-program>
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: No funding needed for requested action |
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current f/y cost: $0 |
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budget clarification: No funding needed for requested action |
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annual recurring cost: $0 |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): No |
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revenue agreement: No |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Darcie Antle, CEO
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Approved |
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Date: June 24, 2025 |
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