26-05 Docusign Envelope ID:4F4FE342-3900-46B8-9337-15505A83AE9B
RESOLUTION NO. 26-05
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE INCLUSION OF NEW OFFSHORE OIL
AND GAS LEASING OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA IN THE FIVE-YEAR
NATIONAL OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF OIL AND GAS LEASING
PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the economy of Clearwater depends heavily on a healthy coastal and
marine environment, supporting industries such as tourism, recreation, commercial and
recreational fishing, and related small businesses; and
WHEREAS, clean water, thriving ecosystems, and an attractive coastal
environment are vital to maintaining property values, sustaining local businesses, and
ensuring the quality of life for residents and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, offshore oil and gas exploration, development, and drilling carry
inherent risks, including oil spills, leaks, habitat destruction, and pollution, which could
cause significant, long-term harm to our coastal economy, natural resources, and way of
life; and
WHEREAS, seismic airgun blasting used in offshore oil and gas exploration poses
a significant threat to marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and fish stocks,
by producing loud, repetitive underwater noise that can disrupt communication,
navigation, reproduction, and foraging behavior; and
WHEREAS, the ecological damage caused by seismic testing undermines the
health of marine ecosystems and directly threatens industries such as commercial and
recreational fishing that depend on robust marine populations; and
WHEREAS, even the perception of environmental risk associated with offshore
drilling can negatively impact tourism, investment, and business development in coastal
areas; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is developing the 11th
National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and has requested public
input on whether to include new offshore leasing areas; and
WHEREAS, the protection of our coastal environment and economy is a priority for
Clearwater, and the long-term well-being of our community outweighs the short-term
benefits that expanded offshore drilling might offer to the oil and gas industry.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER,
FLORIDA;
Section 1. The City of Clearwater formally opposes the inclusion of any new
offshore oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida in the 11 th National Outer Continental
Resolution 26-05
Docusign Envelope ID:4F4FE342-3900-46B8-9337-15505A83AE9B
Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
Section 2. The City of Clearwater urges the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management to prioritize the protection of coastal economies, communities, and
ecosystems by excluding new offshore oil and gas leases from the final leasing program
Section 3. The City of Clearwater requests our federal representatives in
Congress to oppose efforts to expand offshore drilling and to support policies that protect
our oceans, coasts, and the industries and communities that depend on them.
Section 4. A copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, Senator Ashley Moody, Senator Rick Scott, Representative Anna Paulina
Luna and any other relevant officials.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of Clearwater, Florida, on February
19, 2026.
Signed by:
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Bruce Rector
Mayor
Approved as to form: Attest: Ds
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Signed by:
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C'V' t iJ .Y F��RYIq Ct/l l G
Owen Kohler Rosemarie Call
Interim City Attorney City Clerk
Resolution 26-05