Santa Cruz County on Tuesday formally opposed a federal proposal that could allow new offshore oil and gas leasing off the California coast.
The Board of Supervisors submitted comments to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management objecting to any new offshore leases adjacent to California.
The county also asked the federal agencies to extend the public comment period, which is scheduled to close Jan. 23, and to hold additional public hearings in communities that could be affected.
In its comments, the county cited concerns about potential impacts to coastal economies, the environment and fisheries, as well as conflicts with National Marine Sanctuaries and what it called limited opportunities for public participation.
“Santa Cruz County’s coast is fundamental to our economy, our environment, and our quality of life,” Supervisor Justin Cummings said in a statement. “Opening the door to new offshore drilling places our fisheries, tourism industry, and coastal communities at unnecessary risk.”
County officials also urged the Department of the Interior to hold more hearings before moving forward.
The county is encouraging residents, nonprofits, businesses, tribes and public agencies to submit their own comments before the Jan. 23 deadline. Comments can be submitted through the federal rulemaking portal or through SaveMyCoast.org, which includes background on the proposal and links to participate.
Santa Cruz County’s action comes as local governments up and down the coast organize opposition to the Interior Department’s draft 2027–32 Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing program, which is open for public comment through Jan. 23.
Cummings and longtime coastal advocate Richard Charter have helped organize the “Save My Coast” coalition, which includes coastal counties and the city of Santa Cruz, according to county officials.
Cummings is also scheduled to appear Thursday with California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot at an online event titled “Not on Our Watch: Stopping More Oil Drilling on California’s Coast,” according to the county’s announcement.
