Rep. Levin Opposes Federal Plans for California Offshore Oil Drilling

Congressman says coastline is "not for sale" as federal agency begins environmental review process.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Mike Levin has voiced strong opposition to the federal government's plans to offer new oil and gas leases off the coast of California, saying the administration's intent to "auction off California's coast for offshore drilling to the highest bidder" is unacceptable. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has announced it will prepare an environmental impact statement to analyze potential lease sales in the region, prompting Levin to renew his calls to ban offshore drilling along the Southern California coast.

Why it matters

Offshore oil drilling has long been a contentious issue in California, with concerns over the potential environmental damage and threats to coastal communities. Levin's opposition reflects the continued bipartisan resistance to new drilling plans, which could face significant legal and political hurdles at the state and local levels.

The details

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said it will analyze a "representative California lease sale" as part of the National Environmental Policy Act review process. This comes after the Trump administration announced plans in 2025 to reopen Pacific Coast waters to new offshore oil and gas leases, generating swift backlash from California officials and environmentalists. Levin has sponsored legislation to ban offshore drilling along the Southern California coast and throughout the state, arguing the risks to the economy and environment outweigh any potential benefits.

  • On November 20, 2025, the Trump administration announced plans to reopen Pacific Coast waters to new offshore oil and gas leases.
  • In April 2025, Levin re-introduced the 'Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act' to ban offshore drilling along the Southern California coast.
  • On February 27, 2026, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said it would prepare an environmental impact statement for proposed oil and gas lease sales off the California coast.

The players

Rep. Mike Levin

A Democratic U.S. Representative whose district includes parts of North County and southern Orange County, California.

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

A federal agency that oversees offshore energy development, including oil and gas leasing.

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What they’re saying

“We won't tolerate the Trump Administration's intent to auction off California's coast for offshore drilling to the highest bidder. Our coastline is not for sale.”

— Rep. Mike Levin (timesofsandiego.com)

What’s next

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's environmental impact statement process will continue, with opportunities for public comment, before any final decisions are made on potential offshore lease sales.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the ongoing political and environmental tensions over offshore oil drilling in California, where there is broad bipartisan opposition to new leasing plans that could threaten the state's valuable coastal resources and communities.