MONTEREY >> The Central Coast of California Conservation Act of 2025, legislation authored and introduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, on Earth Day last week, would prohibit any new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in the Central California Planning Area.

“Our oceans, economy and way of life of coastal communities in California’s 19th Congressional District must continue to be protected from any effort to expand offshore oil and gas drilling,” said Panetta, in a press release. “The Central Coast of California Conservation Act would prevent new drilling before it starts, protecting the biodiversity of our waters and the businesses and communities that rely on them.”

Panetta said that on Earth Day, and every day, we must take action to ensure we are living up to the legacy of our home to protect the incredible beauty and bounty that our ocean provides for the next generation.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary plays a vital role in protecting our coastline from offshore drilling, according to Panetta’s office. During his first term, President Trump directed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to examine national marine sanctuaries for their suitability for drilling, including in Monterey Bay. This legislation would make clear that those actions are prohibited under law and extend protections to federal waters outside of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary as well.

The Central California Planning Area extends along California’s 19th Congressional District, including from the northern border of San Luis Obispo County to the northern border of Santa Cruz County. The bill would ensure protections up to Mendocino County.

According to Panetta’s office, the waters off California’s 19th Congressional District are teeming with biodiversity, boasting at least 26 marine mammal species, 94 seabird species, four sea turtle species, more than 340 fish species, thousands of invertebrate species, and more than 450 marine algae species. California’s coast supports tourism, recreation, agriculture, fisheries, and shipping, contributing $44 billion to California’s GDP each year.

Panetta introduced the legislation as part of a collaborative, coordinated package of bills to permanently protect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the dangers of fossil fuel drilling.

U.S. coastal counties support 54.6 million jobs, $10 trillion in goods and services, and pay $4 trillion in wages. Under President Joe Biden, more than 625 million acres of U.S. ocean waters were permanently protected from offshore oil and gas drilling, said Panetta’s office. The first Trump Administration proposed a sweeping plan to open 47 offshore oil and gas lease areas across nearly every U.S. coastline, from California to New England.

“Monterey Bay Aquarium applauds our California representatives for consistently championing the protection of our ocean and our coastal communities from the devastating impacts of oil pollution and offshore oil development,” said Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard, in the release. “Californians experienced too many times the heartbreaking impacts of these spills and know that thriving coastal communities and their economies depend on a healthy, vibrant ocean. These important bills would enshrine in law the essential protections from the hazards of offshore drilling and take decisive action on behalf of the people of California.”

Panetta introduced this legislation as part of a suite of offshore drilling legislation alongside House Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02), House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (NJ-07), Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Jack Reed (D-RI), and five other United States Representatives.