Rep. Panetta Authors Legislation to Protect the Central Coast from Offshore Drilling

Monterey, CA - On Earth Day, United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the Central Coast of California Conservation Act of 2025. This legislation would prohibit any new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in the Central California Planning Area, which extends all along California's 19^th Congressional District, including from the northern border of San Luis Obispo County to the northern border of Santa Cruz County. The bill would ensure protections up to Mendocino County. Rep. Panetta introduced this legislation as part of a collaborative, coordinated package of bills to permanently protect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the dangers of fossil fuel drilling.

As this Administration attempts to repeal environmental protections, the Central Coast of California Conservation Act would take proactive action to protect California's 19^th Congressional District's coastal economies and marine ecosystems. These waters are teeming with biodiversity, boasting at least 26 marine mammal species, 94 seabird species, four sea turtle species, more than 340 fish species, thousands of invertebrate species, and more than 450 marine algae species. California's coast supports tourism, recreation, agriculture, fisheries, and shipping, contributing $44 billion to California's GDP each year.

"Our oceans, economy, and way of life of coastal communities in California's 19^th Congressional District must continue to be protected from any effort to expand offshore oil and gas drilling," said Rep. Panetta. "The Central Coast of California Conservation Act would prevent new drilling before it starts, protecting the biodiversity of our waters and the businesses and communities that rely on them. On Earth Day, and every day, we must take action to ensure we are living up to the legacy of our home to protect the incredible beauty and bounty that our ocean provides for the next generation."

U.S. coastal counties support 54.6 million jobs, $10 trillion in goods and services, and pay $4 trillion in wages. Under President Joe Biden, more than 625 million acres of U.S. ocean waters were permanently protected from offshore oil and gas drilling. This Administration is trying to roll back those protections, attempting to illegally reopen those same areas to drilling. The first Trump Administration proposed a sweeping plan to open 47 offshore oil and gas lease areas across nearly every U.S. coastline, from California to New England.

"Monterey Bay Aquarium applauds our California representatives for consistently championing the protection of our ocean and our coastal communities from the devastating impacts of oil pollution and offshore oil development," said Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard. "Californians experienced too many times the heartbreaking impacts of these spills and know that thriving coastal communities and their economies depend on a healthy, vibrant ocean. These important bills would enshrine in law the essential protections from the hazards of offshore drilling and take decisive action on behalf of the people of California."

"California's spectacular marine life - including complex kelp forests and charismatic sea otters - and vibrant coastal economies rely on healthy ecosystems. This legislation could, once and for all, block offshore drilling activities along the continental shelf, and protect critical marine habitats along California's iconic Pacific Coast," said Defenders of Wildlife California Program Director Pamela Flick.

Rep. Panetta introduced this legislation as part of a suite of offshore drilling legislation alongside House Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02), House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (NJ-07), Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Jack Reed (D-RI), and five other United States Representatives. Additional legislation includes:

• The West Coast Ocean Protection Act (Rep. Huffman)
• The COAST Anti-Drilling (Rep. Pallone)
• The Florida Coast Protection Act (Rep. Castor)
• New England Coastal Protection Act of 2025 (Rep. Magaziner)
• Defend our Coast Act (Rep. Ross)
• California Clean Coast Act of 2025 (Rep. Carbajal)
• Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act (Rep. Levin)

"It's time to end the threat of expanded drilling off America's coasts forever," said Oceana Campaign Director Joseph Gordon. "Oceana applauds these Congressional leaders for reintroducing pivotal legislation that would establish permanent protections from offshore oil and gas drilling for millions of acres of ocean. Earth Day is an important reminder that every coastal community deserves healthy oceans and oil-free beaches. This bill is part of a national movement to safeguard our multi-billion-dollar coastal economies from dirty and dangerous offshore drilling. Congress must swiftly pass these bills into law and reject any expansion of drilling to protect our coasts."    

"Protecting these waters puts coastal communities and wildlife above polluters and brings us closer to a world where our waters are free from oil spills, endangered whale populations are free from seismic blasting, and local economies can thrive," said NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) Director of Ocean Energy Taryn Kiekow Heimer. "Now more than ever, we need leadership from Congress to protect our oceans from an industry that only cares about its bottom line - and a Trump administration willing to do anything to give those oil billionaires what they want."

"We believe our coasts are far too valuable to risk for short-term fossil fuel gains," said Save Our Shores Executive Director Katie Thompson. "Permanently protecting offshore areas from oil and gas leasing is a critical step toward safeguarding marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and our climate future. These bills reflect the will of the people to prioritize ocean health and long-term sustainability over polluting industries of the past."

"This suite of legislation is a critical move to safeguard our marine resources against Trump and his Big Oil agenda," said Center for Biological Diversity ocean specialist Rachel Rilee. "It's been 15 years since the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster devastated coastlines and killed hundreds of thousands of marine animals. Our oceans and the incredible ecosystems they support are counting on us. Congress must pass these bills and then get right back to work protecting marine life and coastal communities from every manmade danger and every Republican attack."

"Fifteen years ago this week, the Deepwater Horizon spill dumped 210 million gallons of oil into the ocean; and with every new offshore oil and gas lease, we're gambling with the possibility of another disaster," said Ocean Conservancy senior director of climate policy Anna-Marie Laura. "This suite of bills will help protect American waters, from Alaska to Florida, from the daily leaks, massive spills, and extreme air and water pollution that comes with offshore oil and gas drilling. Ocean Conservancy implores Congress to listen to the voices of millions of Americans who want to end offshore oil and gas production and move toward responsible, renewable energy sources, and pass these bills."

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