Sponsors (20)
The bill protects Central California's coast, fisheries, and coastal recreation by banning new offshore leasing, but it forgoes local oil-industry jobs and government revenue and may shift production with possible downstream effects on fuel markets.
Coastal residents and communities in Central California will face a reduced risk of oil spills and coastal pollution because the bill bans new offshore leasing in the area.
Fisheries and marine ecosystems near Central California will be better protected from habitat damage and resource decline because new offshore drilling in the designated area is prevented.
Local governments and tourism-dependent communities will retain recreational and tourism value from cleaner beaches and marine environments, supporting local recreation-based income.
Energy and construction workers in the region could lose potential jobs because foregone offshore oil and gas projects remove local employment opportunities.
Taxpayers and local governments may receive less federal and state revenue because leasing bonuses, royalties, and rents from the area will be foregone.
Consumers and taxpayers could face indirect higher fuel costs or broader market impacts if oil and gas development shifts to other regions, altering supply dynamics.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits the Interior Secretary from issuing any new federal oil or gas lease in the Central California Planning Area, overriding other leasing authorities.
Introduced April 10, 2025 by James Varni Panetta · Last progress April 10, 2025
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any new federal oil or gas lease for exploration, development, or production anywhere in the Central California Planning Area, and includes a short-title clause for reference. The text overrides other leasing authority as needed and does not appropriate funds or create new programs.