California Lawmakers Condemn Trump Administration’s Offshore Drilling Plan
California’s congressional delegation is fiercely opposing a proposed expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling, warning of devastating consequences for the state’s economy, environment, and national security. The plan, drafted by the Trump Administration and encompassing the 2027-2032 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, proposes opening vast areas of federal waters off the coasts of Northern, Central, and Southern California to new leases – the first time in over 40 years such areas would be considered for drilling.
A Threat to Protected Waters
U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and 27 other members of the California Democratic congressional delegation in a unified condemnation of the proposal. The lawmakers argue the plan directly contradicts former President Biden’s earlier protections, enacted in January 2025, which safeguarded 625 million acres from future leasing.
In a letter addressed to President Trump and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the delegation emphasized the plan’s potential to undermine existing state laws. These laws currently prohibit new offshore drilling along California’s 1,110-mile coastline and ban new leases for oil and gas infrastructure in state waters. “We stand united with the overwhelming majority of Californians who fundamentally oppose any proposal that would expand offshore drilling and risk our state’s invaluable, ecologically unique coast,” the lawmakers wrote.
Economic and Environmental Risks
The proposed drilling expansion is being characterized as a significant threat to California’s robust economy. Lawmakers warn that the plan, coupled with potential cuts to environmental protection agencies, is “not only dangerous but outright reckless.” According to data cited in the letter, California’s marine economy generated $51.3 billion in GDP and $26.7 billion in wages in 2021. Pollution resulting from offshore drilling could severely damage these vital sectors, including tourism, recreation, fisheries, deepwater port commerce, and the defense industry.
“Offshore drilling is a ticking time bomb,” a senior official stated, echoing concerns about the inevitability of spills. California has a long and painful history with oil spills, beginning with the 1969 Santa Barbara spill – the largest in U.S. history at the time – which released 3 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean, devastating marine life and beaches. More recent incidents, including the 2015 Refugio State Beach spill and the 2021 Huntington Beach oil spill, serve as stark reminders of the risks.
National Security Implications
Beyond the economic and environmental concerns, the lawmakers also highlighted the potential impact on national security. California’s coastline hosts numerous military installations, critical logistics routes, and special-use airspace. Allowing oil and gas development in these areas, or increasing the risk of spills, could compromise military readiness and pose a threat to national defense.
Ongoing Opposition and Legislative Efforts
The opposition to the Trump Administration’s plan is not new. Congressman Carbajal recently hosted a press call with Central Coast officials, environmental advocates, and business leaders to voice concerns immediately following the plan’s announcement. He also participated in a national press conference alongside Senator Padilla and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA-02).
Demonstrating his long-standing commitment to protecting California’s coast, Carbajal reintroduced the California Clean Coast Act in April. This bill, which was his first legislative effort as a Member of Congress, aims to prevent offshore drilling and mitigate the devastating effects of oil spills.
The full text of the lawmakers’ letter is available [here](link to letter). The delegation remains steadfast in its opposition, emphasizing the broad consensus against expanded offshore drilling that has existed in California for over five decades.
