Sponsors (38)
The bill trades reduced local environmental and spill risk and greater state control near California for lost offshore oil-related jobs and federal revenues, while potentially shifting drilling risks elsewhere and creating implementation challenges.
California coastal communities and ocean ecosystems face a lower risk of oil spills and related environmental harm because the bill bans new offshore leasing near California.
California state and local governments gain greater authority to protect nearshore waters because the bill removes pressure for new federal leasing adjacent to state waters.
Energy-sector investors and workers in California may see stronger incentives for renewable energy and energy-efficiency investment as the bill prevents expansion of offshore fossil fuel development in California waters.
Workers and businesses tied to offshore oil and gas development in California may lose future jobs and contract opportunities because new leasing in state waters is banned.
Federal and some coastal government revenues from future offshore oil and gas leases and royalties will be foregone, reducing potential receipts to the Treasury and affected localities.
If domestic oil demand persists, the prohibition could shift drilling and environmental risks to other regions rather than reducing overall fossil fuel production, potentially displacing risk geographically.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits new oil and gas preleasing, leasing, and related activities on the Outer Continental Shelf off California, while preserving existing lease rights.
Introduced April 10, 2025 by Salud Carbajal · Last progress April 10, 2025
Prohibits new oil and gas preleasing, leasing, and related activities on the Outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California, effective on the date of enactment. The prohibition applies notwithstanding other laws but explicitly preserves rights and activities under oil and gas leases that were issued before enactment. The Act also establishes a short title for reference in statutes, regulations, and other contexts.