Dear CLUE Members,
We would like to share this announcement about supporting a new policy in Santa Barbara County to prohibit new oil and gas drilling as part of efforts to reduce pollution and protect public health. It’s an opportunity for community members to get involved and make their voices heard.
In 2024, Santa Barbara County adopted a Climate Action Plan with a goal to achieve a 50% reduction in community greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 – but the plan failed to include oil and gas facilities in the emissions inventory. EDC and many environmental organizations and community members expressed our concerns with this omission, which resulted in County Supervisors including a Fossil Fuel Transition policy: Explore strategies to phase out fossil fuel extraction in an economically responsible way. Ensure responsible management of idle and abandoned wells. Last May, the County began the process of phasing out oil and gas production, and in October, the Supervisors voted to authorize staff to draft a two-step approach: 1) ban new onshore oil wells, and 2) phase out operating wells based on an amortization schedule.
On Wednesday, April 8th, the Planning Commission will hear the first draft of the ordinance to prohibit new oil and gas drilling in Santa Barbara County. Will you join us and show up in support of this effort?
Prohibiting new oil drilling will reduce air pollution, protect our drinking water, safeguard our health, and help meet our County’s plan to cut GHG pollution. Putting an end to fossil fuel production will help the County plan an orderly transition away from oil and gas, provide landowners and industry with certainty, and head off costly project proposals that conflict with County efforts to protect our air, water, health, and climate.
Please join us at the hearing on Wednesday, April 8th or by submitting comments via email by Monday, April 6 at 12/noon to the Recording Secretary at dvillalo@countyofsb.org.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP:
- Speak up at the hearing on Wednesday, April 8th at 9AM (agenda)
IN PERSON:
Betteravia Government Center
511 East Lakeside Parkway,Santa Maria, CA 93454.
REMOTE:
Register in advance
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing important information about joining the webinar. - Submit written comment:
Via email by Monday, April 6 at 12/noon to the Recording Secretary at dvillalo@countyofsb.org.
TALKING POINTS:
- Urge the Commission to adopt the proposed ordinance amendments prohibiting new oil and gas drilling in the County
- The amendments are necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment
- Add your personal concerns about new oil and gas development
Thank you for speaking up on this important issue.