SJR 12 is a California Senate Joint Resolution opposing new offshore oil and gas drilling, particularly any inclusion of California in the federal 2026-2031 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The resolution asks the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to hold public hearings in California, prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement, and allow public comment on a draft environmental review for any potential offshore leasing affecting California waters.
The measure also states the Legislature’s strong support for the existing federal prohibition on new oil and gas drilling in federal waters off the Pacific coast and urges the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to remove California from the leasing plan. In addition to its policy objections, the resolution frames offshore drilling as a threat to coastal ecosystems, fisheries, tourism, recreation, tribal ancestral waters, military readiness, and California’s climate goals.
Impact
Because SJR 12 is a joint resolution rather than a statute, it does not directly change California law or create new regulatory requirements. Its practical effect is to express the Legislature’s position to federal officials and to advocate for federal procedural steps—public hearings and environmental review—before any offshore leasing decisions are made. It also reinforces California’s existing policy direction against expanded offshore drilling and aligns with prior state laws limiting offshore oil infrastructure and coastal development related to drilling.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around the bill is strongly supportive and anti-drilling. The resolution was advanced out of committee and later passed the Senate floor with a clear majority, indicating substantial legislative backing. The bill’s findings and coauthor list also suggest broad support among lawmakers who view offshore drilling as inconsistent with California’s environmental, economic, and climate priorities.
Contention
The main point of contention is whether California should be included in the federal offshore leasing program and whether BOEM should move forward without a full environmental impact statement and public hearings. Supporters of the resolution argue that offshore drilling poses unacceptable risks to marine life, coastal economies, tribal resources, and national security, while opponents are implicitly those favoring expanded energy development or less restrictive federal leasing policy. The resolution also reflects tension between state opposition and federal authority over offshore leasing, especially in light of prior federal actions and the proposed leasing program.