Ventura County board unanimously opposes new offshore oil leasing and seabed mining
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Summary
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt a resolution opposing federal proposals for new offshore oil and deep seabed mining off Ventura County’s coast; supervisors cited risks to tourism, fishing, the Port and Naval Base Ventura County and pledged to join a coalition of coastal counties.
Supervisor Claudia Lopez (Supervisor Lopez) and Supervisor LaVere brought forward a resolution for the board to oppose proposals to open new offshore oil and gas leases and to oppose deep seabed mining in federal waters off Ventura County. Lopez framed the measure as a preemptive step to protect coastal economies, fisheries, recreational access and sensitive marine ecosystems and noted the county’s port, naval base and Channel Islands National Park as local assets at risk.
Supervisor LaVere added the item grew out of recent regional discussions, including a bipartisan group at the National Association of Counties (NACo), and said the county’s interests align with other coastal jurisdictions (Florida, San Diego and Sonoma counties) that recently voted to oppose similar federal proposals. “We have 21,000 jobs at Naval Base Ventura County,” LaVere said, arguing potential drilling and related activities could interfere with military operations.
Public comment included remarks from local environmental advocates and business‑sector speakers. Haley Ehlers, executive director of Climate First — Replacing Oil and Gas (CFROG), cited past spills and local economic reliance on coastal tourism and fisheries, asking the board to adopt a strong opposition resolution. Multiple speakers representing fishing, tourism and community groups urged the supervisors to join a multi‑county coalition to oppose the federal rulemaking.
The board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and to participate in a local government coordination program focused on the outer continental shelf and related rulemaking.
Why it matters: the resolution is a formal local position intended to influence federal rulemaking and join other counties in coordinated comment and, if necessary, litigation or advocacy to protect local coastal resources and economic activity.
Next steps: Board direction included signing onto the coalition and preparing coordinated comments for the federal rulemaking process.