Save The Waves Coalition strongly opposes all proposed offshore oil and gas leasing off the California coast. Opening the entire California coast for oil and gas leases poses significant negative effects to California’s coast, its communities, and its marine ecosystems.
In January of 2026, over 270,000 public comments and numerous local governments opposed expanded offshore drilling during the previous review, yet the United States Federal Government has largely ignored these concerns. Effective conservation depends on giving communities a real voice in decisions that shape their coast and ocean.
As California’s official state sport, surfing is deeply tied to the state’s identity and culture, home to some of the world’s best waves, with over 300 surf spots that are central to the state’s coastal communities and economy. A Save The Waves study in Santa Cruz found that surfing contributes $194.7 million annually to the local economy. Offshore drilling threatens waves, water quality, surf ecosystems, and the economy of coastal communities.
These areas also include sensitive habitats, migratory whale corridors, and national marine sanctuaries, all of which should remain off-limits to oil operations. Seismic surveys, which often occur before drilling, produce immense, repeated underwater noise that can disrupt marine animals and displace fish populations.
For these reasons, we urge BOEM to consider all tracts in these areas as high-risk and protect them from leasing, listening to the voices of communities who depend on a healthy ocean.
Save The Waves is closely tracking the U.S. federal government’s offshore oil and gas leasing process and is coordinating with our partners.
The BOEM is currently accepting nominations and comments for the Central and Southern California leasing areas until Feb 26, 2026.
For more information and to leave a comment, check out the links below.
Central California: www.regulations.gov/document/BOEM-2025-0583-0001
Southern California: www.regulations.gov/document/BOEM-2025-0582-0001
