March 31, 2003
Contact: Linda Krop, Environmental Defense Center, 805 963-1622

STATE TO FINALLY REVIEW OIL LEASES OFF CALIFORNIA’S COAST

Federal Government Decides Not To Appeal Court Decision Giving California authority to Review Federal Leases off California Coast

CALIFORNIA — Environmentalists reacted with joy to learn that the U.S. Department of Interior decided not to appeal the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals requiring the federal government to submit 36 offshore oil and gas leases to the State of California for review.

“This decision is a victory for the California coast,” responded Linda Krop, Chief Counsel for the Environmental Defense Center, a public interest law firm that conceived the legal challenge to the approval of the oil leases and represents eight environmental organizations in the lawsuit. “Now the State of California and its citizens will finally have a say in whether these oil leases will be developed.”

The oil leases in question were originally sold between 1968 and 1984. They were not reviewed by the State at the time. However, in 1990 Congress expanded the rights of States to review federal actions that affect State coastal zones. Krop convinced the State of California to use this law when the leases were extended in November, 1999.

“We look forward to complete environmental review of the impacts that would result from the development of these leases,” said Krop. “These leases are located close to two national marine sanctuaries, a spectacular coastline, and in the midst of a highly used fishing and recreational area. We believe that environmental and state review will confirm that the leases should be expired, rather than developed, and our coast protected from any new oil and gas development.”

Development of these leases, which are located off the coasts of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, would double all historic oil production off the coast of California. Although impacts from the development would last for decades, the total amount of fuel produced would provide less than two months’ energy supply for the nation.

“We believe that once the review is complete, it will be clear that development of these leases will result in unacceptable impacts to our coast,” pointed out Krop. “There are many cleaner energy sources out there that do not result in air pollution, oil spills, and impacts to local communities. We expect the State and the public will continue to oppose development of these leases.”

EDC is the only nonprofit environmental law firm between Los Angeles to San Francisco. EDC works with citizen groups on environmental issues such as protecting water quality, preserving precious open spaces, saving species from extinction and guarding public health. For more information, please contact Linda Krop at 805-963-1622.

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