Senator Jackson Authors Bill in Response to Offshore Drilling

Source: State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – In response to President Trump’s recent executive order opening the door to expanded offshore oil and gas drilling in federal waters off the California coast, a bill by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to prohibit new pipelines or other infrastructure needed to support new federal oil and gas development passed out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee today. The vote was 6-3.

Senate Bill 188, also jointly authored by Senate Leader Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), protects the California coast by prohibiting the State Lands Commission from approving any new leases for pipelines, piers, wharves, or other infrastructure needed to support new federal oil and gas development in the three mile area off the coast that is controlled by the state. It would also prohibit any lease renewal, extension or modification that would support the production, transportation or processing of new oil and gas.

“California cannot control what happens in federal waters. But three miles from shore, where our power and jurisdiction lie, we can and will take strong and unequivocal action,” said Jackson. “SB 188 will prevent us from taking a step backward into the outdated, dirty and destructive energy policies of the past, and protect our coast from potential oil spills which could devastate our multi-trillion dollar coastal economy, our coastal waters and our marine life.”

“It is critical that we protect the land and resources along California’s coast,” said de León. “SB 188 will ensure that California – not the federal government – has the final say in preventing oil and gas production from further disrupting our state’s marine environment, and putting our residents’ health at risk.”

“Expanding offshore oil drilling brings unprecedented risks to our state’s coastline and the people who depend on it for their livelihood,” said Lara. “SB 188 helps prevent another oil spill disaster, protects our coastline economy, and keeps California’s commitment to reducing climate-warming emissions from fossil fuels.”

California has had a long-standing commitment to protecting its coast from new offshore oil and gas drilling. In 1994, the Legislature passed the California Coastal Sanctuary Act, which prohibited new oil and gas leases in the state’s coastal waters, with some exceptions. Last December, members of the State Senate joined Governor Brown in requesting that then- President Obama permanently prohibit new oil and gas leases off the California coast.

California’s coastal economy produces approximately $44.5 billion in GDP each year and employs almost half a million people in the state.

SB 188 now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Jackson represents the 19th Senate District, which includes all of Santa Barbara County and western Ventura County.