Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act

This bill would stop the federal government from giving out any new leases or approvals to explore for, drill, or produce oil and natural gas in federal waters off Southern California. It applies to the “Southern California Planning Area,” as defined by the federal offshore leasing program, and would close the door to new offshore oil and gas activity there.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Oil and gas companies, coastal communities, and people who use Southern California beaches and ocean waters.
• What changes: No new federal leases or approvals for offshore oil and gas exploration, development, or production in the Southern California Planning Area.
• Where: Federal offshore waters in the Southern California Planning Area, as described in the national offshore leasing program.
• When: Once enacted, the prohibition would take effect.

In everyday terms, this aims to prevent new offshore drilling near Southern California, which supporters believe helps protect ocean health, beaches, and coastal economies that rely on clean water and tourism.