Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council
Regular Meeting of March 8, 2022
Title
APPROVAL OF LETTER SUPPORTING SENATE BILL 953 (MIN, DAVE): OIL AND GAS LEASES: STATE WATERS: STATE LANDS COMMISSION
(Environmental Programs Manager Douglas Krauss)
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support (Attachment 1) on behalf of the City regarding Senate Bill 953 (SB 953), which would prohibit any new lease agreements or conveyances for new construction of oil or gas-related infrastructure along the California coast; and
2. Submit the letter to key legislators and local stakeholders.
Body
Executive Summary:
The City of Hermosa Beach has a history of working to protect its coastal ecology, as well as reducing community reliance on fossil fuels. Senate Bill 953 (SB953) proposes to prohibit any new lease agreements or conveyances for new construction of oil or gas related infrastructure along the California coast. Staff recommends City Council approve a letter supporting the proposed legislation.
Background:
In 2015, Hermosa Bach residents voted overwhelmingly in opposition of Measure O. The measure would have overturned the City’s ban on oil drilling as outlined in Hermosa Beach Municipal Code section 5.56.010. At its April 23, 2019 meeting, City Council adopted a Resolution to protect the coast of California from offshore oil and gas drilling.
The City also has a legacy of promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The commitment to renewable energy is incorporated throughout Plan Hermosa and in the many programs the City has implemented including: a clean fleet policy; installation of solar panels on the Community Center building; and a recent change to a 100 percent renewable energy portfolio for City facilities. The City has also banned a wide range of pollutants, especially single-use plastics, in an effort to reduce pollution on our beach and in the ocean.
Past Council Actions
|
Meeting Date |
Description |
|
April 23, 2019 (Regular Meeting) |
City Council Adopted a Resolution to Protect the Coast of California from Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling |
Analysis:
Existing law prohibits the State Lands Commission or a local trustee, as defined, of granted public trust lands from entering into any new lease or other conveyance authorizing new construction of oil and gas related infrastructure upon tidelands and submerged lands within state waters associated with Pacific Outer Continental Shelf leases issued after January 1, 2018.
On February 09, 2022, State Senator Dave Min of Irvine introduced Senate Bill 953, which proposes to:
• Require the State Lands Commission to terminate all remaining oil and gas leases under its jurisdiction in tidelands and submerged lands within State waters by December 31, 2023; and
• Authorize the commission to negotiate voluntary relinquishment of a lease, before the termination, upon those terms and conditions as the commission deems necessary and advisable for the protection of the ecological, economic, and other interests of the State.
The legislation was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water on February 16, 2022.
General Plan Consistency:
This report and associated recommendations have been evaluated for their consistency with the City’s General Plan. Relevant Policies are listed below:
Sustainability and Conservation Element
Goal 2. Hermosa Beach is a low-carbon community meeting State greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2040.
Policy:
• 2.4 Diversify GHG reduction strategies. Pursue a diverse mixture of greenhouse gas reduction strategies across the transportation, energy, waste sectors, commensurate with their share of the community’s greenhouse gas emissions
Parks and Open Space Element
Goal 9. Coastal and marine habitat resources and wildlife are protected.
Policy:
• 9.5 Minimal activity impacts to habitat. Protect coastal and marine habitats from impacts from maintenance, construction, recreation, and industrial activities.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
Attachments:
1. Draft Support Letter for Senate Bill 953
2. Link to April 23, 2019 City Council Staff Report
3. Link to SB 953 Text
Respectfully Submitted by: Douglas Krauss, Environmental Programs Manager
Approved: Suja Lowenthal, City Manager