Wade Crowfoot

The proposal calls for auctioning off leases in the eastern Gulf and the untouched high Arctic in Alaska, as well as up and down the California coast, which hasn't seen new drilling in decades.

Oil and gas groups welcome the move as opening up investments.

Environmental groups have denounced it as high risk and low reward.

Wade Crowfoot, the California Secretary for Natural Resources, called into a press conference from the California coastline and spoke with waves crashing behind him.

Expanding offshore oil drilling is a danger.

The plan will be open for public comment for 60 days.

Camila Dominovsky, NPR News.