Support AB 1448 – Stop New Offshore Oil Drilling in CA
Pass AB 1441 to prevent restart of offshore oil drilling in CA state waters
AB 1448 (Hart), otherwise known as The California Coastal Protection Act, aims to defend California’s beautiful coast, marine life, and economy against the dangers of offshore oil drilling. The bill is timely given the Trump Administration’s pledge to ‘drill, baby drill,’ seeking to expand offshore drilling in federal waters off California, which will harm coastal communities and wildlife.
California knows all too well the damage from offshore drilling and oil spills — the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, the 2015 Plains All American pipeline spill, and the 2021 Amplify spill caused extensive environmental damage and killed thousands of marine mammals, seabirds, and fish. Onshore, oil processing facilities and refineries pollute vulnerable neighborhoods.
AB 1448 is designed to fill gaps in current law, to provide comprehensive protection against offshore drilling dangers. This bill would:
- Prohibit the use of existing oil infrastructure to expand federal oil production: By closing this gap, the bill enables the state to stop projects that would expand federal drilling using existing leases and infrastructure in state waters.
- Strengthen oil pipeline safety requirements: The bill mandates rigorous safety protocols and prohibits use of pipelines that fail to meet all pipeline safety requirements.
- Require heightened coastal protections: The bill requires a new permit for the reactivation of oil and gas facilities that have been idle.
AB 1448 supports coastal communities. Offshore drilling poses significant risks of oil spills, which can devastate marine life and coastal economies. California's coastline is a vital economic asset, contributing $44 billion annually and supporting 500,000 jobs. Most Californians oppose allowing more drilling off the California coast.
The California Coastal Protection Act is essential for preserving the state's coastline, protecting its economy, and ensuring the safety of its marine environments. By closing legislative gaps and enhancing pipeline safety, this bill provides robust protection against the threats posed by offshore drilling.