Ventura County adopts resolution opposing new offshore oil leasing and deep‑sea mining
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Summary
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to oppose proposed federal offshore oil leasing and deep‑sea mining off Ventura County’s coast and to join a local government coordination program; supervisors cited risks to tourism, fisheries, the naval base and coastal ecosystems.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the federal government’s proposals to explore new offshore oil and gas leases and to promote deep‑seabed mining near the Central Coast.
Supervisor Katie Lopez, joined by Supervisor LaVere, presented the resolution, saying the administration’s proposals pose a “serious threat to our communities, our coastal economies, and our local environment.” Lopez and LaVere cited potential impacts on recreation, commercial fisheries, tourism, the Port of Hueneme and Naval Base Ventura County and urged the county to join other coastal counties in coordinated action to oppose the federal rule‑making.
Public speakers included students, environmental groups and fishermen who supported the resolution. Haley Ayers of the local climate group urged the board to protect beaches and coastal economies and cited past regional oil spills as examples of local harm. Multiple speakers warned that one serious spill or accident could cause long‑term damage to fisheries and the tourist economy.
Supervisor LaVere emphasized that the rule‑making process is open now and said local governments must engage during the federal comment period and consider litigation if necessary. The board voted to adopt the resolution and to participate in a local government Outer Continental Shelf coordination program.
The action is a formal statement of local opposition; it does not change local permitting or coastal management law but aims to coordinate comment and legal strategy with other counties.
