To: Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors
Re: Phase 1 Oil and Gas Prohibition Ordinance Amendments
Good morning, Chair Nelson and Supervisors:
Today I am speaking on behalf of Citizens Planning Association. I would like to voice our support of the adoption of this ordinance which will prohibit NEW on shore oil development in Santa Barbara County.
CPA has followed oil and gas activity in SB County since our founding in 1960. We have actively supported policies that have promoted safe and clean extraction, and, yes, we have voiced our concerns when there have been oil catastrophes, such as the 1969 SB oil spill, the more recent oil spill at Refugio Beach, and the many issues with such companies such as Greka.
Today at long last, CPA commends the County for researching and developing a Phase 1 process to prohibit new oil activity. We urge you to vote Yes and take this step to help achieve the goals of the County Climate Action plan.
Mary Ellen Brooks, President
Citizens Planning Association