Legislators From 32 States & Territories Oppose Federal Expansion of Offshore Drilling in U.S. Waters

Washington, D.C. (January 22, 2026) — Today, 133 legislators across 32 states and territories released a sign‑on letter in opposition to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters, citing concerns for constituents, the economy, and the natural environment.

In November, DOI released a proposed plan under the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program to expand offshore drilling leases in roughly 1.27 billion acres of public waters, including areas off the coast of California, Alaska, and the Gulf that have either never been drilled or have not seen drilling activity in decades. The letter comes during the 60‑day public comment period for the proposed expansion, and highlights the significant risks posed by new offshore drilling leases.

The legislators state that offshore oil spills have been linked to the loss of billions in economic output and thousands of jobs, while taking a major toll on wildlife and habitats. They warn that expanded drilling would expose coastal communities to continued and avoidable harm, referencing three regions set to see expanded drilling if the current plan is approved: the Gulf Coast, Alaska, and California.

The Gulf Coast

DOI’s plan proposes the creation of a new South‑Central Gulf of America Planning Area for offshore leasing consideration. Legislators note that this would heighten economic and environmental risks for Gulf states, which have experienced long‑term fallout from disasters like Deepwater Horizon and the ongoing Taylor Energy spill.

“For so many Floridians, offshore drilling threatens our economy, our environment, and our way of life,” said Florida State Representative Lindsay Cross. “These plans would increase the environmental and economic risks to our coasts and jeopardize years of conservation work that has protected our state.”

Alaska

The draft plan includes 21 proposed lease sales in Alaska, which could introduce significant spill‑response challenges in remote waters. Legislators warn that another incident on the scale of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill would devastate wildlife, fisheries, and coastal communities that rely on healthy marine ecosystems.

“Nearshore drilling has been done quite safely off selected areas of the Alaska North Slope,” said Alaska State Representative Andy Josephson. “But the Trump Administration’s plan of lease expansions is unacceptable to the vast majority of Alaskans. It conflicts with customary and traditional uses by Alaska Natives, threatens commercial fisheries, and poses grave concerns for protected natural habitat.”

California

For the first time in more than 40 years, the proposal includes six leasing areas off the Pacific Coast, raising concerns for California’s $51‑billion marine economy and critical national‑security infrastructure. Past oil spills in California — from Santa Barbara to Huntington Beach — underscore the persistent risks posed by offshore drilling for coastal communities and ecosystems.

“The Trump Administration’s efforts to roll back California’s environmental progress will have dire consequences for our local economy and our quality of life,” said California State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. “Any plans to drill along our coast endanger our small businesses and communities, especially our children. Our health and the safety of our communities are worth far more than the empty promise of cheaper gas. California and our coast are not up for sale.”

Final Considerations from the Legislators’ Letter

In concluding the letter, legislators stress that expanding offshore drilling is unnecessary to meet national energy needs and would expose their states to increased risks of harmful oil spills. They urge DOI to consider these concerns when finalizing the Draft Program Proposal, emphasizing that the long‑term costs of oil spills far outweigh any perceived benefits of new offshore oil and gas development.

The letter was spearheaded by Alaska State Representative Andy Josephson, California State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, and Florida State Representative Lindsay Cross.

The full letter can be viewed here: https://www.ncelenviro.org/app/uploads/2026/01/11th-National-OCS-DPP-Letter-12226.pdf

###

About NCEL: Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,300 environmentally-committed state legislators from all 50 states and both parties. NCEL provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on environmental issues.