CITY OF PACIFICA
COUNCIL AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
1/12/2026
1 SUBJECT:
Offshore Drilling Letter of Opposition
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Direct the Mayor to send a letter (Attachment A) opposing the proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
STAFF CONTACT:
Kevin Woodhouse, City Manager
(650) 738-7409
[email protected]
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
On December 19, 2025, Councilmember Beckmeyer requested this item be added to the January 12, 2026 City Council meeting agenda due to a January 23, 2026 comment period deadline on this matter.
On January 6, 2025, President Biden used Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act to prohibit new oil and gas leasing in 625 million acres of federal waters. This includes areas off the west and east coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska's Northern Bering Sea. In response, President Trump expressed his intention to reverse this action. On April 30, 2025, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) opened a public comment period regarding a plan to reopen federal waters for development.
The BOEM, a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior, states on its website that certain areas are excluded from offshore development. According to a Presidential Memorandum issued in accordance with section 12(a) of the OCS Lands Act, on July 14, 2008, any National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) designated by that date is withdrawn from oil and gas leasing indefinitely. However, any NMS created or expanded after that date is not automatically withdrawn from leasing. Specific rules and regulations governing the designation and management of each NMS may still restrict or prohibit certain activities within those sanctuaries.
Initiating a new National OCS Program development process is a key aspect of implementing President Trump's Executive Order (E.O.) 14154, titled “Unleashing American Energy,” issued on January 20, 2025, along with Secretary's Order 3418, also called “Unleashing American Energy,” issued on February 3, 2025. The E.O. emphasizes that it is “in the national interest to unleash America's affordable and reliable energy and natural resources” and establishes a policy for the United States to encourage energy exploration and production on federal lands and in federal waters, including the OCS. The E.O. aims to meet the needs of American citizens and solidify the United States as a global leader in energy.
In the Pacific OCS Region, no oil and gas lease sales were included in the 10th National OCS Program for the four planning areas. Between 1963 and 1984, 11 OCS oil and gas lease sales were held in the Pacific Region, resulting in a total of 470 issued leases. As of April 1, 2025, Pacifica City Council 2
January 12, 2026
there are 30 active leases offshore Southern California, all of which produce hydrocarbons.
BOEM estimates a mean undiscovered oil and gas resource volume in the Pacific OCS to be
13.06 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BBOE).
Due to Congressional moratoria, subsequent Presidential actions, and consistent opposition from the States of Washington, Oregon, and California regarding offshore activities, the Pacific OCS has not been included in any National OCS Program since the 1987-1992 Program.
Not all unleased land on the OCS is available for oil and gas leasing. Under Section 12(a) of the OCS Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1341), the President of the United States can withdraw any unleased lands from disposition at any time. Restrictions on leasing may also be imposed through other avenues, such as Presidential proclamations, acts of Congress, regulatory restrictions, and management plans. BOEM maintains a list of regulations applicable to the OCS on its “Areas Under Restriction” webpage. For more information, please visit BOEM's Areas Under Restriction page at <https://www.boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/leasing/areas-under-restriction>.
The Bureau of Energy Management will analyze all 27 OCS planning areas, including those that may currently be unavailable for leasing. An area that is presently unavailable could still be part of a National OCS Program, but could not be offered for sale until Congress and/or the President makes it available.
Oil spills in Southern California have released thousands of gallons of oil throughout California’s waters, harming sensitive environmental habitats, damaging coastal infrastructure, and disrupting local industries that rely on a healthy coastal environment. Although oil plays a significant role in the daily lives of Pacifica residents, it is important for local communities to take proactive steps to reduce their reliance on oil and to support more sustainable and safer forms of energy that will not harm our environment. The City of Pacifica has been actively working to support sustainable practices and in 2025 adopted a new Climate Action and Resilience Plan.
The Pacifica City Council may further strengthen these efforts by opposing offshore oil and gas drilling in the proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
The City Council could choose not to send this opposition letter, or to make revisions to the letter before sending.
RELATION TO CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLAN:
Opposition to offshore drilling relates to the City’s environmental sustainability and resource stewardship parts of its Mission, Vision, and Values, as well as the City’s goal to pursue climate change adaptation and mitigation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact as a result of directing the Mayor to send this opposition letter.
ORIGINATED BY:
City Manager's Office
Pacifica City Council 3
January 12, 2026
ATTACHMENT LIST:
Attachment A: Draft Opposition Letter (PDF)