Development and Production of Oil and Gas Reserves and Beginning Stages of Decommissioning within the Southern California Planning Area of the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region
February 28, 2024
Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Biological and Conference Opinion
NOAA Fisheries has completed formal ESA consultation on continued development of oil and gas off the coast of Southern California. Under a stipulated stay of litigation with the Center for Biological Diversity, completion of the consultation was required by February 28, 2024.
Over the next 20+ years of activities, some adverse effects are anticipated to some ESA-listed species and designated critical habitats from future oil spills and from collisions with vessels engaged in oil and gas operations. However, many species/critical habitats will not be adversely affected, and all other project activities and potential impacts are not expected to adversely affect any listed species/habitats.
The continued development of oil and gas is not likely to jeopardize any ESA-listed species or adversely modify/destroy designated critical habitats.
NMFS Consultation Number: 2023-02183