DATE: December 17, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: City Manager's Office
TITLE: Resolution supporting the Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act (H.R. 2862), which would prevent new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas along the Southern California coast
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution supporting the Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act (H.R. 2862), which would prevent new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas along the Southern California Coast.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The City Manager’s Office was recently contacted by the office of Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), seeking City Council support of the Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act (H.R. 2862). The Act, which is sponsored by Rep. Levin and currently co-sponsored by 22 other Congressional Representatives, would prevent new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas along the Southern California Coast. A full copy of proposed legislation is included as Attachment 2. According to a recent press release by Rep. Levin, H.R. 2862 is being pursued in direct response to actions at the federal level, including the recently announced 2026-2031 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which would allow as many as 34 potential offshore oil and gas production lease sales, including six along the Pacific coast.
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The City’s current Legislative Platform, adopted in 2020 and included as Attachment 3, includes the following language under Section 7, titled “Coastal Protection and Enhancement”: “Oppose legislation that would permit offshore oil leasing or drilling along the Southern California coast.” Staff understands the proposed legislation to be consistent with the City’s Legislative Platform and, therefore, recommends City Council endorsement of H.R. 2862.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
Not applicable.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The recommended resolution has been reviewed by the City Attorney and approved as to form.
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Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Staff Report
2. H.R. 2862
3. Oceanside Legislative Platform
4. Resolution