Oceanside council endorses federal bill to bar new offshore leasing off Southern California coast

The Oceanside City Council unanimously adopted a resolution Dec. 17 endorsing H.R. 2862, the Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act, which would prohibit new offshore oil and gas leasing along the Southern California coast.

City staff said Representative Mike Levin's office contacted the city seeking local endorsement; the legislation — sponsored by Rep. Levin and co‑sponsored by others — would prevent new leasing for exploration, development or production of oil or natural gas off the Southern California coast. "Offshore drilling puts our communities at direct risk of toxic spills that threaten our public health, our marine life, destroy habitat, and jeopardize an economy that generates tens of billions of dollars each year," Salome Tash, district director for Rep. Levin, told the council and urged Oceanside to join other cities in endorsing the bill.

Deputy Mayor Joyce and other council members expressed support, saying the city’s adopted legislative platform already includes coastal‑protection language opposing offshore leasing. Council voted 5‑0 to approve the staff recommendation and endorse H.R. 2862.

The resolution aligns the city with other local governments urging federal prohibition of new offshore leasing; it does not create a direct legal obligation but communicates a policy position to the city’s congressional delegation.