Feb 26 Resubmission of Comments to BOEM Call for Information and Nominations -- opposition

February 26^th, 2026

Ms. Kelly Hammerle

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (VAM-LD)

45600 Woodland Rd.

Sterling, VA 20166-9216

Re: Comments on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management “Call for Information and Nominations” on the Central California OCS Planning Area

Dear Ms. Hammerle, 

On behalf of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, I respectfully re-submit this comment in strong opposition to the inclusion of any new oil and gas lease sales in the Pacific Region as part of the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program. 

We affirm the need for this Call for Information and Nominations to acknowledge special concern and analysis of National Marin Sanctuaries. Portions of the Marin Coast include National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) protections that play a central role in this region’s economic well-being, the health of our surrounding ecosystems, the quality of life and recreational opportunities enjoyed by our citizens, and our community’s ability to plan for a sustainable future. The timing of the designation of each Sanctuary or portion thereof plays no role in whether or not BOEM can consider its waters are permanently protected from OCS leasing and related activities. All our Sanctuary waters are permanently protected from offshore oil and gas leasing and all related activities.

Our region supports rich marine ecosystems, including protected species such as marine mammals, seabirds, and endangered fish, which are highly vulnerable to habitat disruption and contamination. Offshore drilling leases increase the risk of oil spills, air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, threatening the county’s commitment to conservation, climate action, and the preservation of its scenic coastal landscapes. We underscore the threat for the Call for Information and Nominations on the Central California OCS Planning Area poses to the economic, environmental and biological health of our region, including needs for navigation, fisheries and recreation.

We again urge BOEM to fully exclude the Pacific Region, including Southern and Central California’s coastal waters, from any lease sale consideration in the 11th National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program and strongly oppose the issuance of two Calls for Information and Nominations to solicit industry nominations and public comments on areas of interest for potential offshore oil and gas leasing in the Central and Southern California Planning Areas.

Sincerely,

Eric Lucan

President of the Board of Supervisors

CC:        

Marin County Board of Supervisors

Congressman Jared Huffman

Senator Alex Padilla

Senator Adam Schiff