Energy Program News

As Congress prepares to vote on a package of energy measures including opening up coastal areas to new oil drilling, the California State Legislature and California environmental groups voiced unified and staunch opposition to any increase in offshore oil drilling.

In August, the California Assembly and Senate approved Assembly Joint Resolution 51, authored by Assemblymember Pedro Nava, Chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Services and Homeland Security. AJR 51 states the California State Legislature’s staunch opposition to increased oil drilling in federal waters and calls on Congress to reinstate the 27 year old moratorium on oil drilling off California’s coast.  

“We must send a loud and clear message to the Congress and the President that California does not want oil and gas exploration and drilling,” said Assemblymember Nava. “The California coast is a national treasure and is not for sale. Congress must not lift the offshore oil drilling moratorium in federal waters.” 

Joining state legislators at the event was Environment California, Sierra Club California, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

 “Offshore oil drilling is a giant scam intended to exploit the public’s desire for energy solutions. Yet, unlike true solutions like efficiency and renewable energy, oil drilling threatens California’s billion dollar coastal economy and our irreplaceable and invaluable coastal environment,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, Clean Energy Advocate with Environment California.

An oil spill in 1969 off the coast of Santa Barbara killed thousands of birds, as well as dolphins, seals, and other marine animals leading to the original moratorium.