Sponsors (24)
The bill permanently blocks new offshore oil and gas development in the Southern California planning area to protect coastal environments and tourism, while imposing costs in the form of lost industry jobs and revenue, potential upward pressure on energy prices, and reduced administrative flexibility to respond to future energy needs.
Residents and coastal communities in Southern California will face reduced risk of oil spills and offshore pollution, protecting beaches, fisheries, and recreation/tourism that rely on clean coastal waters.
The bill codifies long-term climate and conservation goals by prohibiting new offshore fossil fuel development in the specified area, reinforcing regional conservation and emissions objectives.
Households and businesses could face higher regional energy prices if the ban reduces domestic oil and gas supply options, putting upward pressure on fuel and energy costs.
Local energy companies and workers will lose potential offshore development jobs and project revenue tied to the Southern California Planning Area.
Federal and state governments could forgo royalties and tax revenue from leases in the designated area, reducing funds available for public services or requiring budget offsets.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced April 10, 2025 by Mike Levin · Last progress April 10, 2025
Prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing any lease or other authorization for oil or natural gas exploration, development, or production in the Southern California Planning Area, creating a permanent statutory ban. The Southern California Planning Area is defined by reference to the 2024–2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Proposed Final Program (September 2023), and the prohibition applies notwithstanding any other law or provision of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.