Body of News Release
UPDATE 5/19: The Board approved the contribution.
Marin County, CA – Following its legacy of actively opposing offshore drilling and mining along its Pacific Coast, the Marin County Board of Supervisors plans to dedicate funds to its advocacy in the wake of the federal administration’s new efforts to lease drilling sites up and down the coast.
On May 19, the Board will consider approving a one-time contribution of $29,000 to coordinate opposition to drilling and mining in federal waters. If approved, the action would come six months after the Board adopted a resolution opposing drilling and joining the Local Government Outer Continental Shelf Coordination Program, which is led by the County of Santa Cruz. Founded in 1980, that program has reformed as the Save My Coast coalition.
Most Pacific waters off Marin’s shoreline are part of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. The waters south of Stinson Beach and north of Point Bonita in the Marin Headlands are part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Miles further out, beyond the Farallones sanctuary area, the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary includes the waters from the Point Reyes Lighthouse up to the Sonoma County border.
The Supervisors’ 2026 Legislative Platform, approved in December 2025, included opposition to all oil and gas development or deep-sea mining plus any actions that would weaken marine protections or adjust the size of the offshore marine sanctuaries. Earlier support of offshore drilling and mining bans are cited in the May 19 staff report. The County has also submitted comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in opposition to numerous draft plans that include the inclusion of waters off of the California coast.
“Marin County strongly opposes any new oil and gas lease sales in the Pacific Region,” said Marin County District 4 Supervisor Dennis Rodoni, who represents constituents along the coast. “It is deeply concerning that the federal administration is even considering drilling in our National Marine Sanctuaries. Our coast supports rich and vulnerable marine ecosystems, and offshore drilling brings unacceptable risks of spills, pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The funding the Board is considering will help support research, coordination, and work with our partners along the California coast.”
Marin is known nationally as a champion of the preservation of nature and its promotion of environmental causes. Adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are some of the Supervisors’ highest priorities. The County remains committed to sustainable practices and is implementing its Climate Action Plan, part of which is devoted to the electrification of its vehicle fleet to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The May 19 meeting begins at 9 AM in the Board chamber, Suite 330, at the Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. Meetings are livestreamed on the County website and aired locally on Channel 27 for Comcast and AT&T U-Verse subscribers. Meeting participation guidelines are provided on the County website as well.