Decommission California's Offshore Drilling Rigs

California's offshore drilling operations were approved over 40 years ago and are nearing (or have already reached) the end of their lifespans. The 23 offshore drilling platforms and associated pipelines off California's coast pose a major pollution threat as evidenced by the 2021 Amplify Energy oil spill. Aging infrastructure off our coasts means a higher risk of oil spills and other accidents.

Surfrider is supporting federal and state agency efforts to advance decommissioning of California's offshore oil and gas infrastructure. This includes the U.S. Department of the Interior's recent development of a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for decommissioning California's rigs that was informed by Surfrider comments submitted on the public record.

Surfrider also supports legislative approaches to expedite the decommissioning process. This includes our endorsement of the federal Offshore Leasing Standards and Accountability Act (H.R. 9034/ S. 4715 ) that closes loopholes currently being exploited by oil and gas companies to avoid decommissioning responsibilities under law. Surfrider worked directly U.S. Congressman Dave Min's office to develop and introduce this legislation in 2026.

Finally, Surfrider is supporting California's efforts to decommission Platform Holly off Santa Barbara County. In March 2026, Surfrider joined Environmental Defense Center and other partners in submitting comments to the California State Lands Commission to inform the upcoming development of an Environmental Impact Report to guide the decommissioning process.