CA SB788

Repeals Section 6244 of the Public Resources Code, eliminating an exception in the California Coastal Sanctuary Act of 1994 that authorized oil and gas extraction from state-owned tide and submerged lands.

Closes a loophole that previously allowed the State Lands Commission to lease state waters for oil or gas extraction when deposits were being drained by adjacent federal wells, effectively creating a complete ban on new offshore oil leases in state waters.

Establishes legislative findings highlighting California's $40 billion coastal economy, nearly 500,000 coastal jobs, marine protections, and bipartisan support for transitioning away from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Reflects opposition from the governors of California, Oregon, and Washington to new offshore oil development on the West Coast, citing risks of catastrophic spills and impacts on coastal economies and natural resources.