Relative to a new 5-year National Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program on the Outer Continental Shelf
If SR73 is implemented, it would effectively reinforce California's existing prohibition on offshore oil drilling. The resolution reflects a combination of federal and state legislative history aiming to protect sensitive marine environments from the damage that could arise from oil spills and resource extraction activities. The state believes committing to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions aligns better with its long-term environmental and economic goals rather than pursuing fossil fuel development.
Senate Resolution No. 73 (SR73), introduced by Senators McGuire et al., is a strong opposition statement to the proposed five-year National Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program on the Outer Continental Shelf by the federal government. The resolution emphasizes California's commitment to protecting its coastal and marine resources, which are deemed critical for the state's wildlife, fisheries, tourism, and overall ecological health. It asserts the importance of safeguarding California's coastline from new oil and gas drilling, as the state has had a moratorium on such activities since 1989 and no new leases since the catastrophic 1969 oil spill.
The sentiment surrounding the bill is largely positive among California lawmakers and constituents who prioritize ecological conservation. Polling data indicates that a significant majority of Californians — approximately 90% — consider protecting the coastline vital. However, there exists a backdrop of contention, particularly from the federal government which is seen as attempting to waver state protections, leading to deep-rooted tensions between local governance and federal oversight in natural resource management.
Notably, while the resolution seeks to solidify opposition against the federal leasing program, it also underscores a broader disagreement regarding energy policy and environmental safeguards. There is concern regarding President Trump's national energy strategy, which could lead to a resurgence in offshore drilling along the Pacific Coast, posing risks to California’s ambitious climate initiatives and policies aimed at transitioning to renewable energy sources. Critics argue that new oil and gas developments could invalidate years of environmental protection efforts, jeopardizing marine biodiversity and the coastal economy.