Offshore Drilling Plans Spark New Fight Over SMC Coast

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Two San Mateo County supervisors warned that a federal review could weaken California's ability to weigh in on offshore drilling and other projects that affect its coastline.

Supervisor Ray Mueller recently traveled to Santa Monica to testify during the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's performance evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program.

“I traveled here today to express support for the California Coastal Management Program and express our County’s unequivocal opposition to the issuance of any offshore oil drilling leases and permits off our coast,” said Mueller, whose district includes most of San Mateo County's coastline.

The federal review came as the government considered new offshore oil and gas leasing in California waters, including areas off San Mateo County.

In January, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors unanimously opposed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which identified waters off the county for potential future leasing.

California's Coastal Management Program gives the state a role in reviewing federal activities that could affect coastal resources, including offshore oil and gas development, pipeline maintenance, desalination projects and undersea cables.

County officials expressed concern that changes resulting from NOAA's review could diminish that authority.

“Our coast is one of California’s most valuable assets that defines the character of our state,” said Jackie Speier, a San Mateo County supervisor. “It’s an economic engine generating billions of dollars from tourism, recreation and maritime industries.”

“We refuse to let the Trump administration dictate how California will use its iconic coastline,” Speier said. “San Mateo County firmly rejects polluting offshore drilling rigs.”

San Mateo County's coastline is within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and supports fisheries, wildlife and coastal communities throughout the region.

Mueller said the county depended on the state's coastal management program to protect those resources.

“Our coastline is not a resource to be extracted and discarded; it's our home, our economy and our enduring legacy,” Mueller said.

NOAA stated its review was intended to evaluate how California was implementing its coastal management program and addressing coastal uses and resources.

The agency is accepting public comments on the review through 11:59 p.m. Aug. 22.