State Controller Malia M. Cohen chaired the Commission’s October meeting in Sacramento and welcomed the public and attendees. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, marking the end of her eight-year tenure serving on the Commission, highlighted coastal protection, public access, and public land stewardship achievements during this time and thanked staff for its courageous and innovative leadership.
The staff reports informing the Commission’s actions contain additional information. The Executive Officer’s Report provides information on offshore oil and gas decommissioning, a sea level rise feasibility study for the Bolsa Chica wetlands, marine invasive species prevention, and other staff work not reflected in today’s meeting agenda.
Summary
- Authorized 45 leases for the use of public lands and resources.
- Authorized one lease assignment and 8 lease amendments.
- Authorized one offshore geophysical survey permit and one geological survey permit.
City of Pacifica Emergency Authorization: El Niño Preparation
Impacts from the coming El Nino are top of mind for the Commission. California’s natural resource agencies are, collectively, planning for the coming El Niño and implementing a gubernatorial Executive Order proclaiming a state of emergency to bolster statewide preparedness and protect California. As part of that, the Commission approved an emergency authorization enabling urgent repairs to the City of Pacifica public pier and protective structures. The approval addresses immediate public safety issues and advances the community’s preparedness for the expected El Niño.
Partnering with Tribal Governments
The Commission determined that it is in the best interest of the state to sell nearly 2,000 acres of land to the Native American Land Conservancy, a tribal nonprofit that preserves and protects sacred native lands. If the Commission approves the sale, which it will consider at a meeting early next year, the land will be dedicated to conservation, cultural protection, ecological restoration, environmental education, and a return to tribal control and stewardship.
Lake Tahoe and Tomales Bay Benchmarks
Rental rates ensure fair compensation for using state-owned land. Benchmarks establish uniform rental rates for geographical regions, providing transparency and predictability. The Commission approved updated 2026 benchmark rental rates for berth, buoy, mooring anchor, and non-water dependent uses at Lake Tahoe and continued its 2020 benchmark rental rates for berths and buoys in Tomales Bay. These benchmark rates are used to set consistent, fair annual rent and are typically updated every five years to reflect market conditions.
Environmental Protection
The Commission approved a lease to the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency to restore and rehabilitate the lower Feather River channel and floodplain to improve wildlife and aquatic habitat associated with a wildlife area river restoration project in Oroville. The project will create and improve habitat conditions for fisheries and species, including anadromous fish. The project will also reduce flood risk and provide resilience at the Feather River.
Climate Adaptation and Public Access
The Commission issued a lease to Crockett Public Services Inc. for a drainage system that supports habitat restoration, improves water quality, reduces flood risk, and enhances public shoreline access along the Carquinez Strait Waterfront. These benefits are core components of the Crockett Shoreline Flood Mitigation Project, a waterfront restoration and flood mitigation effort combining habitat restoration and public access creation with an emphasis on connection with the Bay Trail.
Oil and Gas Pipeline Leases
The Commission extended its moratorium on new offshore oil and gas pipeline leases as it continues evaluating impacts to public trust resources. In 2023, the Commission adopted a temporary moratorium on new offshore oil and gas pipeline leases and endorsed an evaluation of impacts to public trust resources and values from existing leases. The Commission extended the completion date for its analysis from December 2026 to December 2027 and reaffirmed the moratorium on new offshore oil and gas pipeline lease applications until the analysis is complete.
New Strategic Plan
The Commission received a written update on the development of its 2027-2031 Strategic Plan, outlining its emerging focus areas, goals, and milestones. The planning effort is now shifting into a public-engagement phase that will include listening sessions and tribal outreach. Insights gathered through this outreach will be incorporated into a Strategic Plan for public comment and final Commission consideration in the spring of 2027.
Future Meetings and Ways to Stay Informed
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