To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Supervisor Haschak and Supervisor Williams
Meeting Date: November 18, 2025
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Haschak |
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707-463-4221 |
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Williams |
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
Adoption of Resolution Opposing New and Existing Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling, and Deep Seabed Mining and Participation in the Local Government Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Coordination Program
(Sponsors: Supervisor Haschak and Supervisor Williams)
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution opposing new and existing offshore oil and gas drilling, and deep seabed mining and approve participation in the Local Government Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Coordination Program; and authorize the Chair to sign same.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
On June 24, 2025, the Board ratified a letter of opposition to offshore oil and gas drilling along the California Coastline. The Board of Supervisors has consistently commented on this issue over the past several decades.
Summary of Request:
The announcement of a new five (5) year Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Plan is anticipated to originate from the United States Department of Interior this fall. At this time, there is no indication as to whether offshore tracts along the coast of Mendocino County will be offered for lease to the petroleum industry. Leases anywhere off the California Coast, however, can be anticipated to impact the coastline of Mendocino County. Upon release of the Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Plan, the County of Mendocino has the opportunity to maintain its right to local control over its own coast and coastal waters by adopting formal comments in the form of a resolution of the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors. When released, the Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Plan will trigger a forty-five (45) day comment period during which the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors would be well-served to adopt and submit appropriate local comments, either acting alone or in concert with other interested coastal counties. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors has consistently commented on this issue for the past several decades.
Additionally, in April 2025, President Trump signed the Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources executive order, which promotes deep seabed mining that poses serious threats to California’s coastal economies, marine ecosystem, and climate goals.
In response, there is an attempt by Santa Cruz County to re-establish the Local Government Outer Continental Shelf Coordination Program and Coalition to ensure coordinated, science-based and timely engagement with federal decisionmakers. Participation in this effort will ensure that the County of Mendocino County’s voice is amplified alongside other cities and counties, without requiring significant diversion of local staff resources. While the Local Government Outer Continental Shelf Coordination Program and Coalition will be hiring a firm to coordinate advocacy efforts, the County of Mendocino is not required to contribute funding to the service. However, if the Board of Supervisors chooses to engage with the Local Government Outer Continental Shelf Coordination Program and Coalition, a representative of the County of Mendocino should be selected.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Give alternative direction to staff.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: N/A |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): N/A |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: Yes
CEO Liaison: Executive Office
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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