April 31, 2025
On April 30, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, announced a public-comment period open now through June 16 to receive input in preparation of a National (Outer Continental Shelf — OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program’ that would govern oil and gas leasing in federal waters off the American coastline, including off the California coast, starting in 2029. A current oil and gas leasing program for U.S. federal waters is in effect until 2029. Two areas off the Ventura County coastline — the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary — would each typically be exempt from this type of program. However, the public-comment announcement for the new leasing program states that all areas will be studied in preparation for the new program. This effectively leaves open the possibility these National Marine Sanctuaries will be subject to lease sales for new oil and gas exploration and drilling.
The public comment period will run from April 30, 2025, through 11:59 pm ET on June 16, 2025. Comments will be accepted via https://www.regulations.gov/docket/BOEM-2025-0015/document (preferred) or via U.S. mail.
If submitting by mail, label envelope with “Comments for the 11th National OCS Program,” to Ms. Kelly Hammerle, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (VAM-LD), 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166.
Sample email.
(Date)
Comments for the 11th National OCS Program
To Ms. Kelly Hammerle, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (VAM-LD)
Dear Ms Hammerle and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
As a concerned citizen I am writing in strong protest for the proposed opening of federal waters to oil development, exploration off California and in our National Marine Sanctuaries. These areas of high productivity and biodiversity are highly vulnerable to ocean noise, disturbance and risk of spill associated with exploration and oil and gas extraction. The Pacific coastal waters generate billions of dollars in tourism, recreation, business and fishing. Several species of whales, dolphins, seabirds and fish inhabit the waters of the eastern Pacific off California with many endangered and endemic species. Morevover, five national marine Sanctuaries, America’s treasured underwater parks are located off the California coastline. We strongly object to placing our wildlife and marine environment to oil extraction activities.
Sincerely,
(signed)