“This would result in a massive power grab ... and a very dangerous, chilling effect on other coastal states.” Opponents of offshore oil drilling filled a California Coastal Commission meeting in Santa Barbara in April 2025. Along the Golden State’s 1,200-mile shoreline, the California Coastal Commission has largely been tasked with maintaining this state-federal balance. “If reviews can be reopened without clear reasons or established process, every coastal state has reason to be concerned about the precedent that sets.” Kate Huckelbridge, executive director of the Coastal Commission, said many questions remain as to how the process will play out.