NRDC: California’s Coastal Management Authority Is Under Attack

WASHINGTON (June 26, 2026) — The Trump administration has formally initiated a federal review of California's Coastal Management Program under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). It is holding public meetings to specifically solicit comments on the state's oversight of offshore oil production, spaceport infrastructure, pipelines, desalination projects, and undersea cables.

This comes as the administration advances a five-year oil and gas leasing program under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OSCLA) that would open California’s coasts to oil and gas drilling over the state’s objections. At risk is California's coastal permitting authority, the state’s ability to protect its coastal resources, and millions in annual federal funding.

The following is a statement from Taryn Kiekow Heimer, Ocean Energy Director at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“This is a blatant attack on California's right to protect its coastline. In seeking to undermine the state, the Trump administration is trying to bulldoze a path for offshore oil and gas drilling in California, which Californians have repeatedly and overwhelmingly rejected.

“California's waters should not be sacrificed to the fossil fuel industry. Our coastline belongs to the public, and we will oppose any effort to dismantle the protections that keep it healthy and vibrant.”

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).