906 Garden St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101
PHONE (805) 963-1622
www.EnvironmentalDefenseCenter.org
December 12, 2025
City Council of the City of Goleta
Goleta City Hall
130 Cremona Dr.
Goleta, CA 93117
Submitted via email: [email protected]
Re: City of Goleta resolution opposing new offshore oil and gas development -
SUPPORT
Dear City Council of the City of Goleta:
I write to you on behalf of the Environmental Defense Center (EDC), a non-profit organization that defends nature and advances environmental justice on California’s Central Coast through advocacy and legal action. Since 1977 we have represented local, state, and national groups concerned about the impacts caused by offshore oil and gas development. We primarily work within Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties – areas that have already absorbed more than our share of offshore oil development and borne the ill effects that result from such development, including the infamous 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill and the recent 2015 Refugio Oil Spill.
For nearly 50 years, EDC has opposed increased oil leasing and development off our coast. We applaud the City for considering a resolution opposing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) proposal to issue new offshore oil leases in the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program. BOEM’s proposal would place our coast and community at the risk of three lease sales in 2027, 2029, and 2030.
The City of Goleta’s coastline boasts a strong coastal economy including recreation, commercial fishing, and tourism. Its scenic coastline borders the Santa Barbara Channel, one of the rarest bioregions in the world due to its location in the confluence of two major ocean currents which result in the highest biodiversity in the mainland United States. EDC firmly supports your efforts to protect these coastal resources.
December 12, 2025
Supporting a City of Goleta Resolution Opposing Offshore Oil & Gas Development
Cities and counties throughout Central California have voiced their opposition to BOEM’s 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program, including Santa Barbara County, City of San Luis Obispo, and San Luis Obispo County. EDC applauds these efforts and supports the City of Goleta City Council in supporting a similar resolution.
Thank you for your efforts to protect the precious marine and coastal resources of the City of Goleta and the surrounding areas.
Sincerely,
Lauren Partch
Staff Attorney