CITY OF ARCATA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 3:30 p.m.
Council Chamber
736 F Street, Arcata
Special accommodations for the disabled who attend City meetings can be made in advance by contacting the City Clerk at 822-5953. Assistive listening devices are available. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.5, all writings or documents relating to any item on this agenda which have been provided to a majority of the City Council, including those received less than 72 hours prior to the City Council meeting, will be made available for public inspection in the agenda binder located on the counter in the lobby at Arcata City Hall, 736 F Street, during normal business hours, and on the City's website at www.cityofarcata.org.
PLEASE NOTE: Speakers wishing to distribute materials to the City Council at the meeting are requested to provide 10 copies to the City Clerk.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ How to Observe and Participate in the Meeting:
Observe:
Members of the public can attend the meeting in person.
Public Comment Participation in Person:
Members of the public may attend the meeting in person and give public comment.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
3. FLAG SALUTE
4. ROLL CALL
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
During special meetings, public comment is only taken at the beginning of the meeting. Pursuant to the Brown Act Section 54954.3(a), the public comment period provides an opportunity for people to address the Council only on items that are listed on the Special City Council Meeting Agenda.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Adopt Resolution No. 256-34 Opposing Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Along the Northern California Coast.
7. ADJOURNMENT
STAFF REPORT – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Merritt Perry, City Manager
PREPARER: Rhea Varley, City Clerk
DATE: January 22, 2026
TITLE: Adopt Resolution No. 256-34 Opposing Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Along the Northern California Coast.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Council adopt Resolution No. 256-34 opposing offshore oil and gas drilling along the Northern California Coast.
INTRODUCTION:
The public comment period for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM’s) 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program: 1st Analysis and Proposal MAA104000 ends this Friday, January 23, 2026. This proposed program would have direct impact on the California shoreline surrounding the City of Arcata and Humboldt County.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
In late November, the Interior Department announced plans to significantly expand offshore oil production along the West Coast and portions of the Gulf of Mexico. The California North Coast is one of the areas identified in the 1st Proposal Lease Sale schedule, with its proposed sale year being 2029.
Offshore oil and gas drilling poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, coastal water quality, public health, and the regional economy, including commercial fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and recreation in the local area. Furthermore, expansion of offshore oil and gas development is inconsistent with the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan.
The proposed resolution opposing offshore oil and gas drilling along the Northern California Coast would be submitted to the BOEM prior to the deadline for comments.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Under the City Council’s Legislative Platform and Procedures, the City opposes efforts to increase off-shore oil and / or Natural Gas drilling along the California coastline (Item 15 of Environment / Climate Change). This action would align with the City’s existing policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA):
N/A
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1. Receive a staff report and discuss the item;
2. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 256-34 opposing offshore oil and gas drilling along the Northern California Coast.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Resolution No. 256-34.
RESOLUTION NO. 256-34
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA OPPOSING
OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS DRILLING ALONG THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST WHEREAS, the City of Arcata is located along California’s North Coast, a region of extraordinary ecological, cultural, and economic value, including sensitive marine habitats, fisheries, coastal wetlands, and public beaches; and
WHEREAS, offshore oil and gas drilling poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, coastal water quality, public health, and the regional economy, including commercial fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and recreation; and
WHEREAS, oil spills, seismic testing, and routine drilling operations can cause long-term and irreversible damage to marine life, including whales, seabirds, fish populations, and kelp forests; and WHEREAS, the North Coast is particularly vulnerable due to its rugged shoreline, strong currents, and limited emergency response infrastructure, making effective spill response extremely difficult; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arcata has a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, climate action, renewable energy, and the protection of natural resources for present and future generations; and
WHEREAS, expansion of offshore oil and gas development is inconsistent with California’s climate goals, the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan, and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous Tribes, coastal communities, fishermen, scientists, and local governments throughout Northern California have expressed strong opposition to offshore drilling and seismic testing; and
WHEREAS, local governments have a responsibility to advocate for the protection of their residents, environment, and economic well-being.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arcata hereby strongly opposes any new or expanded offshore oil and gas drilling, exploration, or seismic testing along the Northern California coastline, including waters adjacent to Humboldt County; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Arcata urges the President of the United States, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, members of Congress, and all relevant state and federal agencies to permanently prohibit offshore oil and gas drilling along California’s coast; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Arcata affirms its support for policies and investments that advance clean energy, climate resilience, and sustainable coastal economies; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is directed to transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor of California, California Coastal Commission, local state and federal legislative representatives, Humboldt County officials, and relevant federal agencies.
This resolution shall be effective upon its adoption.
DATED:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk, City of Arcata Mayor, City of Arcata
CLERK’S CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 256-34, passed and adopted at a special meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcata, Humboldt County, State of California, held on the ___ day of ____, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
City Clerk, City of Arcata