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Consider Senator Feinstein’s request for all California counties and cities to adopt a resolution protecting our ocean and coasts from offshore drilling and fracking in federal and state waters as a show of the County’s support for protecting California’s coast
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
At the request of Supervisor Thomson, it is recommended the Board of Supervisors consider the adoption of a resolution to protect our oceans and coasts from offshore drilling and fracking in federal and state waters as a show of the County’s support for protecting California’s coast.
SUMMARY:
The federal government has recently taken steps to vastly expand offshore oil and gas leasing in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans - areas that have been largely off-limits to new federal leasing. Senator Feinstein sent a letter requesting all local jurisdictions adopt a resolution disapproving of new offshore drilling and fracking leases.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This is no impact to the County General Fund associated with adopting this resolution.
DISCUSSION:
Solano County values our state’s ocean waters and coasts, which provide habitats to a vast array of wildlife and are used for recreational activities by our residents. Offshore oil and gas drilling off the Pacific coast puts these coastal resources at risk of oil spills and other damage. Despite this, the federal government has recently taken steps to vastly expand offshore oil and gas leasing in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans - areas that have been largely off-limits to new federal leasing. Currently, the State of California prohibits new leasing in state waters because of the unacceptably high risk of damage and disruption to the marine environments of the state. Additionally, offshore drilling, fracking, and other forms of well stimulation deepen our dependence on fossil fuels and undermine the state’s efforts to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving toward renewable energy. This resolution would demonstrate Solano County’s support for (1) a ban on new drilling and fracking operations in federal and state waters off the California coast, (2) no new federal oil and gas leases in the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic oceans and the eastern Gulf of Mexico-areas currently protected from new leases; and 3) a rapid phase-out of all oil and gas extraction off the California coast on a rapid schedule sufficient to respond to the climate crisis.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt the proposed resolution. This is not recommended as it creates a positive impact on preserving our environment and reducing climate change.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION