Sponsors (20)
The bill prioritizes protecting Central California's coastal environment, public health, and tourism-based local economies by banning new offshore leasing in the area, at the cost of foregone local energy jobs, government revenue, and potential modest effects on fuel markets.
Residents and coastal communities in Central California will face a reduced risk of oil spills and related coastal pollution because new offshore leasing in the designated area is banned.
Fisheries and marine-dependent communities will see stronger protection for marine and coastal ecosystems because the ban prevents new offshore drilling in the area.
Local businesses and residents who rely on recreation and tourism will better maintain clean beaches and related economic activity because offshore development that could degrade coastal amenities is prevented.
Energy and construction workers in the region could lose potential jobs and contracts because offshore oil and gas projects in the designated area are foregone.
Taxpayers and local governments could receive less revenue because leasing bonuses, royalties, and rents from the area will be foregone.
Consumers and broader markets could face modest upward pressure on fuel costs over time if oil and gas development shifts to other, potentially more expensive regions.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits the Interior Secretary from issuing any oil or gas lease in the Central California Planning Area, overriding other leasing provisions for that area.
Bars the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any new oil or gas leases for exploration, development, or production anywhere inside the Central California Planning Area, overriding other leasing authorities as needed. The bill is short and narrowly targeted: one substantive provision stops federal offshore leasing in that specified geographic area and one section provides a short title.
Official title: To amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit oil and gas leasing of the Central California Planning Area.
Introduced April 10, 2025 by James Varni Panetta · Last progress April 10, 2025