Vista council adopts resolution backing HR 2862 to bar new offshore drilling off Southern California

Assistant City Manager Mala Huerta and staff introduced a support resolution for the Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act (HR 2862), which was placed on the agenda at the request of Congressman Mike Levin’s office. The bill, introduced April 10, 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources, would prevent new leasing for exploration, development or production of oil and natural gas along the Southern California coast from San Diego to the northern border of San Luis Obispo County.

Kyle Veil, deputy chief of staff for Congressman Mike Levin, urged the council to endorse the bill, saying the proposal would protect coastal communities from toxic spills that harm public health, wildlife and tourism. “I strongly encourage the city of Vista to join this effort to protect our beaches and our community,” he told the council.

Councilmembers debated the resolution. Councilmember Contreras and others said a ban on new offshore drilling protects coastal environments and regional economies dependent on tourism and marine industries. Councilmember Fox opposed a blanket ban, arguing U.S. coastal resources could help energy affordability and cited broad offshore reserves; Fox said he could not support a full blanket ban though he acknowledged the resolution likely had the votes to pass. Other councilmembers questioned the geographic extent of the bill and noted it could cover a wide area of the outer continental shelf.

After discussion and a motion by Councilmember Contreras, the council approved the support resolution 3–2. No further action was authorized at the meeting; the resolution records the city’s endorsement of the federal bill and registers Vista among cities supporting the proposed prohibition on new leasing for oil and gas development along the Southern California coast.