California Coastal Commisison

In a decision that pushes California to the brink of a lawsuit over offshore oil development, the Clinton administration has extended the life of 36 oil leases off the Central Coast for up to four years. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt made the decision without permitting state authorities to conduct a review of whether the drilling options that the oil companies hold are still valid.

In a decision that pushes California to the brink of a lawsuit over offshore oil development, the Clinton administration has extended the life of 36 oil leases off the Central Coast for up to four years. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt made the decision without permitting state authorities to conduct a review of whether the drilling options that the oil companies hold are still valid.