California Senate adopts resolution opposing federal offshore leasing plan

The California State Senate on April 23 adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, a measure authored by Senator Laird that opposes a federal proposal to open new offshore oil and gas leasing in areas off the California coast.

Laird said SJR 12 seeks to have California removed from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's proposed Outer Continental Shelf leasing program, to restore stronger environmental review and to ensure opportunity for public engagement. "This resolution has almost 50 co-authors and includes co-authors from both parties," Laird said, arguing that offshore development would increase fossil fuel emissions and threaten coastal communities.

Senators who opposed the resolution said the measure mischaracterizes the narrow scope of the resolution and raised concerns about fuel supply and energy security. Senator Grove said California's in-state oil production has been reduced and warned of potential shortages, urging colleagues to vote no. Senator Valadares argued the state faces a "serious supply crunch" and urged a no vote unless the state offers a viable plan to replace in-state production.

Senator Richardson urged colleagues to stick to the resolution's language, noting that SJR 12 addresses offshore leasing specifically and asks BOEM to hold a public hearing in California.

The chamber debated the merits of state energy policy, the timeline for any federal leasing to produce oil, and the trade-offs between local production and environmental protections. Laird highlighted the state's progress on renewable electricity and said the timeline for any new offshore development would be too slow to address near-term supply concerns.

The Senate adopted SJR 12 on a roll call; the clerk announced the final tally and the resolution was passed.