January 27, 2025 — On Monday, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management began the process for an offshore oil and gas lease sale off California with the publication of two call areas, which cover the southern and central areas of the state. The announcement suggests that the first lease sales will occur next year – giving time for local opposition, which has already begun to gather momentum.
“We’re taking the first step toward a stronger, more secure American energy future,” said BOEM Acting Director Matt Giacona, formerly a senior government relations executive with the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) and the International Association of Drilling Contractors. “These calls begin a careful analysis of two key areas with promising resource potential on the Outer Continental Shelf to help guide future decisions about potential leasing and development.”