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Ojai Council unanimously backs letters opposing proposed federal oil and gas leasing near Los Padres National Forest
Summary
Following public comment from local environmental groups, the council voted to send letters opposing BLM and Forest Service leasing proposals that would open public lands near Los Padres National Forest to oil and gas development.
The council voted to send letters of opposition to federal agencies on proposed oil and gas leasing and planning documents affecting Los Padres National Forest and surrounding BLM lands. Staff presented two draft letters intended for the USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in order to express the city’s concerns and to advocate protection of local public lands.
Speakers from Forest Watch and Climate First Replacing Oil and Gas (SeaFrog) urged the council to adopt the letters. Carla Mena (Los Padres Forest Watch) said the proposals cover hundreds of thousands of acres and conflict with state policies including setback and fracking limitations; Haley Ehlers (Climate First / SeaFrog) noted recent oil‑related incidents in the region and questioned the BLM’s draft environmental review as relying on out‑of‑date data.
Councilmember comments cited previous city resolutions opposing offshore and expanded drilling and affirmed the city’s interest in protecting regional public health, habitat and climate progress. A motion to send the letters was made, seconded and carried on roll call.
