San Diego, California, December 8, 2025
San Diego County Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Jim Desmond have formally opposed the Trump Administration’s proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling along the California coast, citing significant risks to the economy, environment, and military operations. Their stance reflects widespread local and statewide opposition to the proposal, emphasizing the potential threats to tourism, recreation, and national security. The governors and local officials advocate for the protection of California’s coastal resources.
San Diego County Supervisors Oppose Offshore Drilling Expansion
San Diego, California – San Diego County Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Jim Desmond have formally opposed the Trump Administration’s proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling along the California coast. The supervisors argue that such expansion poses significant risks to the region’s economy, environment, and military operations.
Supervisors’ Opposition
Supervisor Lawson-Remer, representing District 3, and Supervisor Desmond, representing District 5, have expressed strong concerns over the proposed drilling expansion. They emphasize the potential threats to the county’s coastal economy, which heavily relies on tourism and recreation, as well as the environmental risks associated with oil spills and pollution. Additionally, they highlight the potential disruption to military training exercises and operations that are vital to national security.
Background on the Proposal
In November 2025, the Trump Administration unveiled a plan to open new offshore oil and gas drilling leases along the California coast, including areas previously protected due to military use. This proposal has faced widespread opposition from California officials, environmental groups, and local communities who argue that it threatens the state’s coastal ecosystems and economies. Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly stated that the plan is “dead on arrival” in California.
Local and Statewide Reactions
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors’ opposition aligns with actions taken by other local governments and state legislators. In 2018, the San Diego City Council approved a resolution opposing offshore oil and gas drilling off the California coast, citing concerns over environmental impacts and economic consequences. Additionally, in November 2025, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, along with other members of the California Legislative Central Coast Caucus, released a letter urging the U.S. Department of the Interior to remove California from the offshore drilling proposal, emphasizing the potential harm to coastal economies and the environment.
Conclusion
The San Diego County Supervisors’ formal opposition to the proposed offshore drilling expansion reflects a broader regional and statewide consensus against such initiatives. Local leaders continue to advocate for the protection of California’s coastal resources, economic interests, and military operations from the potential adverse effects of expanded offshore oil and gas drilling.
FAQ
What is the San Diego County Board of Supervisors’ stance on the proposed offshore drilling expansion?
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors, represented by Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Jim Desmond, has formally opposed the Trump Administration’s proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling along the California coast, citing significant risks to the region’s economy, environment, and military operations.
What are the main concerns regarding the proposed offshore drilling expansion?
The main concerns include potential threats to the coastal economy, which heavily relies on tourism and recreation, environmental risks associated with oil spills and pollution, and potential disruptions to military training exercises and operations vital to national security.
How have other local governments responded to the offshore drilling proposal?
Other local governments, such as the San Diego City Council, have also opposed offshore drilling. In 2018, the City Council approved a resolution opposing offshore oil and gas drilling off the California coast, citing concerns over environmental impacts and economic consequences.
What actions have state legislators taken regarding the offshore drilling proposal?
In November 2025, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, along with other members of the California Legislative Central Coast Caucus, released a letter urging the U.S. Department of the Interior to remove California from the offshore drilling proposal, emphasizing the potential harm to coastal economies and the environment.
Key Features of the Offshore Drilling Proposal and Opposition
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Proposed Expansion | Opening new offshore oil and gas drilling leases along the California coast, including areas previously protected due to military use. |
| San Diego County Supervisors’ Opposition | Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Jim Desmond formally oppose the proposal, citing risks to the economy, environment, and military operations. |
| Local Government Actions | San Diego City Council approved a resolution in 2018 opposing offshore drilling, and other local governments have taken similar stances. |
| State Legislative Response | In November 2025, Assemblymember Dawn Addis and other legislators urged the U.S. Department of the Interior to remove California from the offshore drilling proposal. |
| Governor’s Position | Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the plan is “dead on arrival” in California, reflecting strong opposition to the proposal. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
