The stakes are high, and the message is clear: Local environmental groups are calling on the community to fiercely resist the Trump Administration's plans to expand offshore oil drilling along the West Coast. This isn't just a local issue; it's a battle for our coastlines and the precious ecosystems they support. Let's dive in.
This call to action comes in response to the Trump Administration's announcement to potentially open up vast areas for offshore oil and gas development. The Department of the Interior's proposal, known as the "11th National Offshore Leasing Program," eyes up to 34 potential offshore lease sales, encompassing roughly 1.27 billion acres. This includes six sales right here in California, specifically impacting areas like the North Coast, home to basins such as Eel River, Point Arena, and Bodega.
Now, you might be wondering, is this a real threat? Well, in 2018, a similar push resulted in new leases in the Gulf of Mexico, though not in California. But, as the environmental groups emphasize, we must take this seriously. We've seen the devastating consequences of offshore oil spills, from Santa Barbara in 1969 and 2015, to the 1989 Prince William Sound disaster in Alaska. Other incidents include Port Angeles in 1985, Grays Harbor in 1988, Coos Bay in 1999, and the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The potential for environmental damage is undeniable.
So, what can we do? The article outlines several key actions the community can take to mitigate the risks.
1. Support Local Government Policies:
While local control over offshore activities is limited, local governments can influence land use related to onshore support facilities. A prime example is Humboldt County's Measure B, approved by voters in 1988. This measure mandates a public vote for all onshore oil and gas support facilities. Although not yet formally codified, the measure's prohibitions are believed to still be in effect. Furthermore, in 2023, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 704, which ended exemptions in the Coastal Act, making it harder to build new or expanded oil and gas facilities. And in 2025, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution opposing potential oil and gas development. The groups urge further action, including codifying Measure B and expanding similar measures in other coastal jurisdictions.
2. Embrace Alternatives to Fossil Fuels:
The article makes a strong case: the need for offshore drilling exists because of our reliance on fossil fuels. The solution? Renewable energy. This means focusing on floating offshore wind, solar, battery storage, and other renewable energy solutions.
3. Fight Like Hell:
Should the Trump Administration proceed with its plans, the environmental organizations pledge to fight back with everything they have, and they're calling on you to join them.
This is a call to action. What do you think about the proposed expansion of offshore oil drilling? Do you agree with the strategies outlined? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This article is supported by:
- Tom Wheeler, Executive Director, EPIC
- Jennifer Kalt, Executive Director, Humboldt Waterkeeper
- Alicia Hamann, Executive Director, Friends of the Eel River
- Alicia Bales, Chapter Director, Sierra Club Redwood Chapter
- Kathryn Wendel, President, Redwood Region Audubon Society
- Dan Chandler, 350 Humboldt
- Wendy Ring, Humboldt Coalition for Clean Energy
- Sue Lee, Chair, Climate Action Campaign at Humboldt UU Fellowship
- Michael Welch, Director, Redwood Alliance
- Lee Dedini, Arcata Presbyterian Earth Care
- Larry Glass, Northcoast Environmental Center
- Joe Gillespie, President, Friends of Del Norte
- Nick Joslin, Policy and Advocacy Director, Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center
- Jessie Misha, Chair, Surfrider Foundation Humboldt Chapter
- Suzie Fortner, Executive Director, Friends of the Dunes
- Luke Ruediger, Siskiyou Crest Coalition
