RESOLUTION NO. 26.XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, OPPOSING THE INCLUSION
OF NEW OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS LEASING OFF THE
COAST OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN THE 2024–2029
NATIONAL OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF OIL AND GAS
LEASING PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the economy of Orange County and Laguna Beach depends heavily on a healthy coastal and marine environment, supporting industries such as tourism, recreation, and the restaurant, retail, and other small businesses that exist because of our pristine beaches and ocean environment; and
WHEREAS, clean water, thriving ecosystems, and an attractive coastal environment are vital to maintaining property values, sustaining local businesses, and ensuring the quality of life for residents and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, offshore oil and gas exploration, development, and drilling carry inherent risks, including oil spills, leaks, habitat destruction, and pollution, which could cause significant, long-term harm to our coastal economy, natural resources, and way of life; and WHEREAS, even the perception of environmental risk associated with offshore drilling can negatively impact tourism, investment, and economic development in coastal areas; and WHEREAS, the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is developing the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and has requested public input on whether to include new offshore leasing areas; and WHEREAS, the protection of our coastal environment and economy is a priority for Laguna Beach and the long-term well-being of our community outweighs the short-term benefits that expanded offshore drilling might offer to the oil and gas industry.
Attachment 1
3 -2- Reso. #26.XXX
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH DOES RESOLVE:
SECTION 1. The City of Laguna Beach formally opposes the inclusion of any exploration like seismic blasting and new offshore oil and gas leasing off the coast of Southern California in the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
SECTION 2. The City of Laguna Beach urges the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to prioritize the protection of coastal economies, communities, and ecosystems by excluding exploration and new offshore oil and gas leases from the final leasing program.
SECTION 3. The City of Laguna Beach calls on our federal representatives in Congress to oppose efforts to expand offshore drilling and to support policies that protect our oceans, coasts, and the industries and communities that depend on them.
SECTION 4. A copy of this resolution shall be sent to the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Senators Schiff and Padilla, US Representative Dave Min, and any other relevant officials.
ADOPTED this 13th day of January, 2026.
Mark Orgill, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk
4 -3- Reso. #26.XXX
I, Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 26.XXX was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of said City held on January 13, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
City Clerk, City of Laguna Beach, CA
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