California Governor Signs Bill Barring New Offshore Oil Operations from Using State Infrastructure
Governor Gavin Newsom of California has signed Assembly Bill 1448, authored by Santa Barbara Assemblymember Gregg Hart. This new law prohibits any new offshore oil and gas operations in federal waters off California from utilizing state-controlled offshore infrastructure, such as…
Santa Barbara Santa Maria San Luis Obispo, CA, October 6, 2026 —
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1448 into law, a legislative measure that will prevent new offshore oil and gas operations in federal waters adjacent to California from leveraging state-controlled infrastructure. The bill was authored by Santa Barbara Assemblymember Gregg Hart.
The new legislation specifically prohibits the use of state-owned offshore infrastructure, including pipelines and rigs, to support any new oil and gas production activities originating in federal waters off the California coast.
Environmental advocates, particularly those in the Santa Barbara region, have expressed strong approval of the bill. They view Assembly Bill 1448 as a significant step toward enhancing protections for the California coastline.
The bill is being recognized as one of the most robust anti-offshore oil measures enacted by the state in its history. Its passage is seen as a key development in the ongoing efforts to safeguard coastal environments and marine resources.
Further details regarding the implementation timeline or any specific federal waters affected beyond the general designation were not immediately available in the provided summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Callie Fausey on www.independent.com, see more information here.
