Say No to New Offshore Oil Drilling
About
California’s coast, marine life, and coastal communities deserve protection. Two separate federal actions need our attention: NOAA is reviewing California’s coastal ability to protect its own coast, while BOEM is considering new offshore oil and gas leases off California’s coast. We must push back on both—and say no to new offshore drilling.
Two Decisions, One Coast
NOAA: Uphold California’s coastal protections. NOAA is evaluating California’s Coastal Management Program, which gives the state a role in reviewing federal projects that affect its coast. This review is not a decision to lease offshore waters. Tell NOAA to uphold the program and California’s federal consistency authority.
BOEM: Drop California from the leasing plan. BOEM is considering potential lease sales in federal waters off Central and Southern California, with first sales tentatively scheduled for 2027. These sales have not been approved. Tell BOEM and the Department of the Interior to remove California from the plan.
Take Action
Contact your members of Congress. Ask them to pass H.R. 2862 (Rep. Levin)
Publicly oppose the proposed California lease sales, write to BOEM and the Department of the Interior, and support lasting protections for federal waters. Find your representative and contact your senators.
- House: The Honorable [Name], U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515
- Senate: The Honorable [Name], United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510
Contact NOAA & Contact BOEM
Contact NOAA. Ask it to uphold California’s Coastal Management Program and meaningful federal consistency review.
- Email: czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov
- Mail: NOAA Office for Coastal Management, N/OCM, 1305 East-West Highway, 10th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Contact BOEM. Demand that it remove California lease sales from the next federal leasing program.
- Email: BOEMPublicAffairs@boem.gov
- Mail: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240
- Pacific office: 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102, Camarillo, CA 93010
Message to use:
“Please oppose new offshore oil and gas leases off California. A spill could harm coastal businesses, fisheries, beaches, and marine ecosystems. Uphold California’s coastal protections and invest in clean energy instead.”
NOAA’s formal evaluation comment deadline and BOEM’s early California comment periods have closed. You can still contact decision makers now and watch for future public comment opportunities.Contact Members of Congress to keep the pressure moving
SDCW Events Focused on Offshore Drilling:
Opening Ceremony Water Summit: Paddle Out For Clean Water
Thursday, October 1
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Glorietta Bay Park
Join a ceremonial Paddle Out in the bay, a tribute links last year’s urgent call to action to clean up the Tijuana River Crisis to our 2026 Call to Action to Condemn Off-Shore Drilling.
This Opening Ceremony for San Diego Climate Week will be one of connection and action.
Paddle Out Partners: Surfrider, WildCoast , Samuel Lawrence foundation, Paddle for Peace, SD Coastkeeper, Sierra Club, Red Earth Movement, Emerald Keepers, 4Walls, Ocean Connectors.
Spill the Truth: Taking Action Against Offshore Drilling
Tuesday, October 6
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Bivouac Adventure Lodge
Ongoing Efforts: Get Involved Year-Round
Our call to action against offshore drilling doesn’t end when San Diego Climate Week does. The fight to protect our coastline is ongoing, and our nonprofit partners work on this issue year-round through advocacy, policy work, community organizing, and direct action. If this week sparked something in you, here’s how to stay involved long after October 8th.