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Santa Cruz County launches coordinated effort to oppose new offshore oil and mineral leasing
Summary
The Board authorized a relaunch of a local government coordination program opposing offshore oil and mineral drilling; supervisors attached minerals to the scope and the motion passed unanimously after public support from Save Our Shores and local environmental groups.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on June 24 approved a motion to relaunch a local government coordination effort opposing new offshore oil and deep‑sea mineral leasing, directing staff to coordinate with community partners and other jurisdictions.
Supervisor Manu Cummings, who introduced the item, asked the board to extend the scope to include offshore mineral extraction as well as oil and gas. "In addition to oil, the executive order also includes offshore deep sea mining," Cummings said, and the board accepted an amendment to include minerals. The motion passed unanimously.
Multiple speakers urged the board to act. "Offshore drilling is a direct threat to our local economy, our climate, and our marine sanctuary," said Kate Hennenkamp, executive director of Save Our Shores. Tracy Weiss of O'Neill Sea Odyssey called the effort "more than symbolic" and urged the county to "engage experienced leaders like Richard Charter" to rebuild a local coordination program that the county used in the 1980s.
Why it matters: Federal signals toward renewed offshore leasing and exploration have prompted coastal jurisdictions to reestablish coordinated advocacy. Santa Cruz County’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a major economic and ecological asset; local leaders said renewed organization would support collective advocacy to press federal decision‑makers.
Board action: Approve launching an anti‑offshore oil and mineral local coordination effort, with county staff to return with implementation steps and potential partners. Vote: unanimous.
Next steps: Staff will coordinate with environmental groups, neighboring local governments and former program leaders to scope the coordination effort and budget, and report back on implementation.
