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300+ Elected Officials to Protect California urge Gov. Newsom to lead on health issues and put safety buffer zones around oil and gas wells now.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 12, 2020

Contact: Alexander Cornell du Houx,
President of Elected Officials to Protect California
Cell: 207.319.4511

Without set-back safety zones thousands become sick – with Covid-19 there’s an increased risk for essential farmworkers

Some are stunned when they realize California is the third-largest producer of crude oil in the United States, for the state has a reputation of being a leader fighting climate change. Many Californians pride themselves on their state’s leadership on issues of public health and the environment. A staggering new NRDC analysis of oil and gas development in California shows that approximately 5.4 million people of the state’s population live within a mile of one, or more, of more than 84,000 existing oil and gas wells.

More than a third, 1.8 million, people also live in areas most burdened by environmental pollution as identified by California EPA’s tool. These communities, highly vulnerable to additional pollution from oil and gas development, are primarily 69 percent Latinos/Hispanics, 10 percent African Americans and 11 percent Asian Americans. In total, people of color make up nearly 92 percent of the 1.8 million people living within a mile of oil and gas development and in communities already heavily burdened by pollution.

On top of that California requires no health and setbacks safety zones between homes, schools, childcare centers, hospitals and other facilities and oil and gas wells. None. Other oil producing states do. Even the largest producer, Texas, does.

“There are one million people residing within a five square mile radius of the Inglewood Oil Field, which sits atop the Newport Inglewood fault line. Disaster could strike at any time. Its infrastructure is nearly 100 years old. Within the past few years, there have been several leaks and spills. Then there are the air contaminants that are responsible for countless respiratory conditions. We have to protect our people, not the fossil fuel industry,” said Meghan Sahli-Wells former Culver City Mayor, and current Councilmember. “I’m proud to serve as Co-Chair of Elected Officials to Protect California, where more than 310 of us signed a letter asking the governor to take action to halt permitting, and phase out fossil fuel production once and for all.”

Nearly 8,500 active California oil and gas wells are located within 2,500 feet of homes, schools, and hospitals,disproportionately impacting people of color and economically disadvantaged communities. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, between 2011 and 2018, of the more than 21,000 new oil and gas wells permitted by the state, 76 percent are located in communities with above-average poverty rates for California, and 67 percent are located in communities of color.

The science is clear. According to the California Council on Science and Technology, exposure to toxic air contaminants and other pollution caused by oil and gas wells is a significant threat to public health.

A 2019 review commissioned by the city of Los Angeles states that the majority of relevant peer-reviewed studies have found that close proximity to oil and gas production is associated with exposure to high concentrations of dangerous air pollutants. “The development of oil and gas immediately adjacent to places where people live, work and play poses hazards and risks to public health . . . some minimum distance from sensitive receptors should be considered,” wrote the study’s authors, Seth B.C. Shonkoff and Lee Ann L. Hill with Oakland-based nonprofit PSE Healthy Energy.

“In our letter to Governor Newsom we also asked him to start protecting people now with an instantaneous 2,500 foot setback, or safe zone, from oil and wells dangerously close to schools, homes, and businesses,” added Councilmember Meghan Sahli-Wells, Elected Officials to Protect California Co-Chair. “This recklessness with people’s lives has to end. We need the Governor to step forward and lead on this issue. We have to value people’s lives, not corporation profits. AB 345 would have had a chance to pass if he’d come out to publicly support it.”

Californian Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi’s bill, AB 345, would have given California’s Natural Resources Agency until July of 2022 to adopt public health and safety regulations covering nearby oil and gas extraction areas. “My AB 345, a top priority environmental justice bill, passed the Assembly,” tweeted Assemblyman Muratsuchi when the bill’s 42-30 victory vote happened on January 27, 2020. “This bill will establish oil drilling buffer zones to protect children and families living near oil extraction sites.”

But the State Senate was lobbied incessantly by the oil and gas industry. The Western States Petroleum Association, the most powerful corporate lobbying group in California, strongly opposed AB 345.

As amended the proposed legislation would require the establishment of an environmental justice program at the California Natural Resources Agency, and requires the Geologic Energy Management Division of the Department of Conservation to adopt regulations by July 1, 2022, to “protect public health and safety near oil and gas extraction facilities.” Those regulations will include safety requirements and the establishment of a minimum setback distance between oil and gas activities and sensitive receptors, as provided, based on health, scientific, and other data. Prior to adopting the regulations, the department has to consult with environmental, environmental justice, public health advocates, public health authorities, and other experts, as specified. The bill states the Department shall “consider a setback distance of 2,500 feet from schools, playgrounds, and public facilities where children are present.” The bill was watered down from “mandatory” to “considered.”

“My constituents are the ones who breathe the air and drink the water. Many work hard in the fields unaware of the toxins they’re breathing in. I was a farm worker when I first came to America. I suffered from headaches, nausea, and nosebleeds. A friend had a miscarriage. Our lives matter,” said Felipe Perez, Fresno City Councilmember and Steering Committee Member of Elected Officials to Protect California. “We need the governor to lead. He has the power to help bills pass. In the time of COVID-19 my people are worried about their increased risk of infection simply because their zip code has put them at greater risk. This is a health emergency. These are essential workers. Newsom needs to take action. Why hasn’t he?”

Oil production sites emit hydrogen sulfide and known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors such as benzene and formaldehyde.

“Even if AB 345 doesn’t pass. Governor Newsom has the power of the executive order. I know there would be legal action against any such order, but leading means standing up for the people you represent, all the people, not corporations,” concluded Felipe Perez, Fresno City Councilmember and Steering Committee Member of Elected Officials to Protect California.

According to a recent poll 79 percent of Californians support the creation of a health and safety buffer zone between communities and oil extraction.

“There currently is no binding commitment from the Newsom Administration to create any kind of health and safety buffer zone. Protecting the well-being of low-income, Black, and brown community members with a legislatively-mandated setback is the kind of emergency action that California needs to counter the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis,” said Councilmember Elect Katie Valenzuela, Steering Committee Member of Elected Officials to Protect California. and CEJA Action Political and Policy Director.

The Senate hearing was heated. Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg verbally attacked Valenzuela about the bill. He accused Valenzuela of misleading community groups, and of failing to “do the homework” or “read the bill.”

“I was there to testify as a primary support witness. As a resident of Oildale, CA, I was sent to the hospital too many times. By insulting my intelligence, my intentions, and my integrity he also insulted the broad coalition of nonprofit advocacy and community groups who have worked tirelessly to pass AB 345 into law,” said Councilmember Elect Katie Valenzuela, Steering Committee Member of Elected Officials to Protect California. and CEJA Action Political and Policy Director.

The United Domestic Workers along with more than 270 environmental justice, public health, education, political, and other labor organizations signed on as supporters of AB 345.

“Senator Hertzberg addressed me with language that is all too reminiscent of the disregard and devaluing of lives of people of color that perpetuates environmental injustices,” said Councilmember Elect Katie Valenzuela, Steering Committee Member of Elected Officials to Protect California. and CEJA Action Political and Policy Director.“The Majority Leader doesn’t seem to think that there is a problem, despite ample scientific evidence and community testimony to the contrary. So I’ve invited him to join me on a tour of oil fields in Kern County where I grew up so he can see what is happening for himself – at his earliest convenience.”

In the end, Senator Hertzberg, Senator Hueso, Senator Caballero joined Republicans to oppose the bill. Senator Henry Stern, Senator Monning, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, and Senator Allen voted in support of AB 345. Senator Stern, committee chair, said the bill should be given urgent priority because it would help protect the health and safety of essential workers who provide food for the nation. Senator Jackson pointed to the important role the Legislature should play in helping guide Administration activities like the proposed rulemaking.

Senate Majority Leader Hertzberg has yet to publicly apologize.

Many elected officials had high hopes that Newsom wouldn’t be two faced as his predecessor Jerry Brown was, but now they question his intentions.

Newsom’s administration has now granted a total of 48 fracking permits since the moratorium ended in April. Kern County received the bulk and more could be issued at any time. Being the center of California’s oil industry, Kern County already has some of the poorest air quality in the nation. It also has large communities of color, many of whom work in the fields. Kern County produces over 80 percent of the total national carrot crop. Potatoes, lettuce, garlic, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and watermelons are also grown here with invisible toxins covering the fields, carried on the winds.

The number of oil permits the Newsom administration has issued since he took office in January 2019 now totals 7,474 according to a report by FracTracker. 1,400 new oil and gas well permits issued so far this year.

“Now is the moment to propel our state forward and ensure the future our children deserve. Fracking has no future and a horrific past generating serious health problems, especially for minority communities,” said San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon, Elected Officials to Protect California Steering Committee Member. “I believe Governor Newson does want to protect the health and wellbeing of all Californians. I know we are in an emergency and COVID-19 is his priority. However, climate change is an emergency too and anything that contributes to it should stop. Now more than ever, we need to protect the health and safety of all our people — especially our essential farm workers. Issuing a decree for a 2,500-foot setback for all oil and gas wells is something he should and could do immediately. It’s time we found out where our governor really stands.”

Nationally, over 410 elected officials have signed the Elected Officials to Protect America’s National Climate Justice Sign-on Letter demanding a just transition. Since the Brown Administration, EOPCA has pushed for transparency, accountability, and an energy regime which protects public health

Elected Officials to Protect California is a program of Elected Officials to Protect America.

The mission of EOPA: To create a safe, prosperous, and healthy planet, we empower leadership from elected officials and civic leaders to protect our environment, and fight the climate crisis. As current and former elected officials who care deeply about protecting our planet and people from the dangers of climate change, EOPA educates through value-based storytelling, trains lawmakers, and connects elected officials to inspire strong environmental policy. Lawmakers who are veterans and elected officials lead our mission.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2020

Contact: Alexander Cornell du Houx,
President of Elected Officials to Protect America
Cell: 207.319.4511

CA can start to mitigate fire season by stopping fossil fuel production

Elected officials to Protect CA want Newsom to take action combating climate change now — before it’s too late>

California has been shattering records and trouncing projections as cases of Coronavirus soar, averaging 8,000 new cases per day. As California once more braces for shutdown, economic devastation is sure to follow. However, California may soon face even more sinister problems, as fire season threatens the state once more.

According to the California Air Resources Board, the climate crisis, primarily caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, considerably increases the frequency and severity of wildfires. We must address the root cause of wildfire season by decreasing California’s reliance on greenhouse gas emitting corporations. California must divest from fossil fuels.

In the era of COVID-19, the risk of wildfire could come with a myriad of potential externalities, all of which would be disastrous for California. According to the CDC wildfire smoke wreaks havoc on respiratory health, making California residents more susceptible to COVID-19. Compounding the problem, the masks needed to protect from smoke are the very same that protect from COVID-19. Despite all the governor’s efforts this life-saving equipment is still in short supply.

Elected Officials to Protect California (EOPCA) brought over 310 elected officials together to sign a letter to Governor Newsom urging him to take action now and: 1) End the issuance of permits for new fossil fuel projects, 2) Design a swift, managed decline of all fossil fuel production, starting with a 2,500-foot human health and safety buffer zone to protect public health and address the severe environmental injustice of production in low-income communities and communities of color, and 3) Commit the state to 100 percent clean, renewable energy, phasing out all usage of fossil fuels.

In 2018, the Camp Fire killed 85 people, consumed 11,000 homes, and forced 50,000 Californians to flee seeking refuge outside of Paradise. One year later, most of these traumatized families are still unable to return home, as a scant eleven homes have been rebuilt. These numbers are unacceptable. California suffered financially as well, as the Camp Fire was estimated to have been the most expensive natural disaster in the world in 2018 with damages piling up to a striking $16.5 billion.

Of those forced to flee, Chico State researchers found that older populations left the area at a much higher rate than those between the ages of 18 and 65. Those on fixed retirement incomes suffered disproportionately; 47 percent of those whose annual income was less than $25,000 moved 30 miles or more from Paradise. While a quarter left CA, most stayed in state. The majority relocated to the nearby city of Chico. California must take concrete steps to mitigate the severity of wildfire season by phasing out fossil fuels.

“We already had a tight housing market before the fire. I’m proud of how our residents opened their hearts and doors to those displaced from the Camp Fire. But in the long term we simply didn’t have enough housing in Chico to permanently accommodate everybody. The fire changed the demography of our city,” said Chico Mayor Randall Stone, EOPCA letter signatory. “With each fire season the stress level rises. The Hog Fire has a lot of people reliving the Paradise tragedy. The tension is palpable. I know California can help mitigate these climate disasters if the state takes action to stop all fossil fuel production. Right now, we’re pouring gasoline on a fire. Chico was the first city to declare a Climate Emergency. It’s time for the state to issue a Climate Emergency Decree. That way we can start to take emergency action to abate the climate crisis before it’s too late. Sacramento has to put our people’s lives and livelihoods above corporation profits.”

Unfortunately, Paradise was not the only city ravaged by wildfire. California saw a whopping 7,860 wildfires during the 2019 fire season. 259,823 acres of land were reduced to ash, 732 structures were engulfed in flame, and three people lost their lives.

“Every year the fire season worsens. Last year in Ventura County the Easy Fire consumed more than 1,800 acres and threatened 6,500 homes. The 275-acrebrush fire named the Elizabeth Fire was our first major wildfire of 2020. People are already under stress because of the pandemic, the fire season is only exasperating an already troubled time,” said Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Carmen Ramirez, Esq, EOPCA Steering Committee Member. “We can mitigate these disasters if we stop fueling the flames of climate change caused by the oil industry. We have to stop oil production in California and transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy.”

Driven by the climate crisis the wildfire season is now seventy eight days longer than it was in the 1970’s. Accordingly, the number of wildfires have significantly increased.

Wildfire season is projected to make a vengeful reappearance in 2020. Indeed, conditions in the West are expected to be dry and windy; these conditions skyrocket the probability of wildfire. Governor Newsom acknowledged the threatening nature of these conditions, as he has increased fire prevention efforts and firefighting; yet, he has not meaningfully addressed the exigence of California’s increased vulnerability to wildfire. California will continue to suffer grievously from wildfires until the Governor substantially examines the fossil fuel industry as perpetrators of the climate emergency.

Indubitably, wildfire conditions are encouraged by the onslaught of the climate crisis. Between 1985 and 2015, wildfires in California have doubled as a direct result of changing climate conditions. Indeed, California has experienced dryer seasons and hotter temperatures, as precipitation levels have decreased 30 percent since 1980, and temperatures have increased by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Under these conditions, soil hemorrhages moisture and wildfires proliferate, coaxed to life by obstreperous California winds.

Fossil fuel industries are undeniably culpable, as the top 90 companies produce over 50 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas. These avaricious companies knowingly endangered the lives of many global citizens for the sake of profit. California should tolerate this behavior no longer, and take concrete steps to mitigate the effects of this wildfire season through divestment.

In Australia, the cataclysmic effects of global warming on wildfire season are apparent. Following record levels of drought and heat, Australia’s megafires have perpetrated extreme loss of biodiversity, acres upon acres of scorched land and most tragically loss of human life. California could become the new Australia. Yet, California’s wildfire prognosis is not promising. Wildfires are slated to increase overall as California will see a 30 percent increase in lightning-related wildfire occurrences before 2060. California should seize the opportunity to halt the encroachment of wildfire related incidences by eliminating the underlying cause of the climate crisis: fossil fuel industry.

One of California’s most catastrophic fires, the Kincade fire, was the direct consequence of California’s dependence on fossil fuels. This devastating incident was caused by the ignition of PG&E equipment, illustrating the blatant endangerment of communities perpetrated by the fossil fuel brigade. California must end this pattern of abuse by divesting in fossil fuel energy sources and reinvesting in clean energy for a safer state.

Additionally, hospitals and homes are negatively impacted by preemptive blackouts, intended to prevent the exacerbation of residential wildfires. In addition to harming families, these shutdowns have the potential to threaten overburdened hospitals. California can not withstand another crisis — we need to take immediate preventative action.

In the midst of wildfire season, the pandemic and related recession families are suffering. But fossil fuel industries have taken federal bailouts from the pandemic to the bank.Ironically, the very industries which contribute so heavily to wildfire proliferation are receiving $1.9 billion in tax breaks. In 2018 wildfires cost California $400 billion.

Immediate action is the only option. California must meet the points outlined in the EOPCA letter and divest for a safer, more efficient California.

Now that the dreaded fire season is upon us, EOPCA will not be silent and sedentary on this issue. We urge Governor Newsom to take immediate action.

The mission of Elected Officials to Protect America: To create a safe, prosperous, and healthy planet, we empower leadership from elected officials and civic leaders to protect our environment, and fight the climate crisis. As current and former elected officials who care deeply about protecting our planet and people from the dangers of climate change, EOPA educates through value-based storytelling, trains lawmakers, and connects elected officials to inspire strong environmental policy. Lawmakers who are veterans and elected officials lead our mission. Elected Officials to Protect California is a branch of EOPA.

Elected Officials to Protect California urge Newsom for a clean energy stimulus package to insure equitable recovery for all – Current record low interest rates are opportunity for a stimulus bond package

July 13, 2020

Contact: Alexander Cornell du Houx, 207.319.451, alex@protectingamerica.net

Racial cleavages are strikingly clear as COVID-19 has underscored our nation’s economic disparities and racial injustices. While the nation takes to the streets in protest of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arubury, and tragically too many others— stimulus spending has conspicuously failed to reflect national sentiment. At least $113 million in Congressional stimulus taxpayer-backed loans meant for small businesses have gone to the fossil fuel industry. As 28.76 percent of firms are owned by minorities in California, minorities have greatly suffered at the hands of fossil fuel corporate greed; too many have been forced to close while oil companies have been granted more land to drill on by the federal government with waived fees. This is unconscionable.

Elected Officials to Protect California (EOPCA) implores Governor Newsom to enact a clean energy stimulus package for California. EOPCA posits that any effective stimulus strategy must subsidize clean energy as a vehicle for righting the wrongs of environmental injustice, thereby making the state healthier for everyone.

“We need to rid ourselves of chokehold fossil fuel mega corporations have on our economy and transition to a safer, more equitable California with 100 percent clean, renewable energy. We are the fifth largest economy in the world, we have the power to do this. We are asking Governor Newsom if he has the political will to follow through with this clean energy stimulus,” said Meghan Sahli-Wells Elected Officials to Protect California Co-Chair, former Culver City Mayor, and current council member.

California has the unique opportunity to pre-empt the reaffirmation of fossil fuels as an economic fixture which endangers our health. Since lifting lockdowns, China has seen the fossil fuel industry rebound completely, as it invests in new coal infrastructure. However, by subsidizing clean energy rather than fossil fuel companies, California can permanently cut back on carbon emissions and pollution. In doing so, we could ensure a more just, healthy future for the 2.1 million Californians who live next to an oil or gas well by protecting them from air pollutants. Environmental justice would be meaningfully enhanced by an increased reliance on clean energy. It is time to put the lives and livelihoods of all Californians first.

“Governor Newsom recently spoke forcefully about the need to fight systemic racism in California. It is time for him to turn those words into action. Over 5 million Californians live less than a mile from an active oil well and many suffer from chronic asthma, lung disease, and cancer. More than 12,000 Californians die from the oil industry’s air pollution annually. Enough is enough. This is no way to power our society. We must value life over corporate gains. The public’s health and safety should be what guides political decisions, not the oil industry’s bottom line,” said Elected Officials to Protect California Steering Committee Member and San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon.

Out of the 5.4 million Californians who live near oil and gas wells in California 3.7 million, or 69 percent are people of color, exposing them to toxins which can have catastrophic effects on human health. Coronavirus has ravaged minority populations due to systemic environmental injustice; California’s stimulus spending must aim to rectify these environmental justice violations.

While the Coronavirus appears indiscriminate, it has actually unveiled systemic environmental racism. Environmental injustice has been increasingly apparent, as black Americans are dying from Coronavirus at nearly twice the rate of their white counterparts in California. Environmental injustice can be directly linked to this egregious death rate, as Blacks and Hispanics suffer 56-63 percent more air pollution than can be attributed to their consumption patterns. As a result, minorities suffer chronic respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions at staggering rates, putting them at significant risk for coronavirus infection. Indeed, a Harvard study finds that long term exposure to PM 2.5, a potent aerosol pollutant, can lead to an eight percent increase in probability for coronavirus infection.

Devastatingly, increased infection has correlated with increased mortality. Accelerated aging caused by ambient stressors, including toxins, lack of sleep and racial discrimination, make African Americans more vulnerable. Essentially, environmental stressors put minorities at a greater risk for infection and mortality. This is absolutely unacceptable.

In addition to suffering devastating loss of life, minorities disproportionately bear the economic burden of the pandemic. Despite only comprising 6.5 percent of California’s population, African Americans filed 23 percent of all unemployment claims in California, according to a study by the California Policy Lab. Comparatively, white people constitute 71.9 percent of the population, but only filed 19 percent of unemployment claims. To contextualize, these numbers amount to one in four African-Americans having filed for unemployment in California. Black residents are bearing the brunt of the pandemic, as they suffer higher mortality rates and higher unemployment rates. Thus, it is clear that environmental justice and economic issues are inextricably linked, and must be addressed by the state of California.

Immediate action is the only option. Stimulus spending should serve those communities who bear the brunt of Coronavirus externalities. California must respond swiftly to rectify the harms exacted by Coronavirus and environmental injustice on minority communities. Record low interest rates make the current moment propitious for environmental action, as the government has the rare opportunity to borrow inexpensively with bonds.

“We can turn this pandemic tragedy around by transitioning our economy to run on 100 percent clean, renewable energy, thereby creating hundreds of thousands of jobs with training for people whose jobs won’t be coming back,” said Elected Officials to Protect California Steering Committee Member and San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon. “We can’t afford to miss this opportunity.”

Ultimately, California would advance public health by investing in clean energy, as it eradicates the air pollution which has caused minorities to suffer disproportionately from COVID-19. Environmental health as a whole benefits, as explained by a representative from the International Renewable Energy Agency: “15 percent increase in welfare, mainly through health benefits from reduced air pollution.” By delegating funds to clean energy, California would actively pursue environmental justice and welfare by improving health outcomes.

The oil and gas industry claimed $1.9 billion in tax credit relief from a federal stimulus package. This tax break for mega companies completely failed to put people over profit. Although African Americans suffer disproportionately from fossil fuel profiteering, they only ever see a microscopic piece of these profits. African Americans hold only 1.1 percent of energy-related jobs and earn only .01 percent of the revenue from fossil fuel industries.

The oil industry was in turmoil even before the pandemic. In 2020, oil prices precariously hovered near $70 a barrel, but as tanks neared capacity, oil plunged below $25/barrel. The price of U.S. oil futures even briefly sank below zero, garnering wide speculation that oil had lost its place in the market long before COVID-19 struck. Where fossil fuel energy sources have failed us, green energy sources are consistent, clean, reliable, and positioned to put California first.

“The failing fossil fuel industry is driving catastrophic climate change, and continues to ask for a bailout with our public money,” said Co-Chair of Elected Officials to Protect California, former Culver City Mayor, and current council member Meghan Sahli-Wells. “It’s time to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all Californians.”

Where oil companies have failed, renewable energy is poised to take over for a cleaner, more just world. For every million dollars invested, alternative energy sources create five more jobs than big oil and gas. In fact, renewable energy is projected to produce 29 million new jobs, in addition to boosting global GDP. As black residents are more affected by Coronavirus- induced unemployment in California, investing in renewable energy could provide tremendous financial relief for suffering families by providing them with training and jobs.

Coronavirus has highlighted the urgency behind solving issues of environmental injustice, and has ironically has provided California with the unique opportunity to resolve these longstanding infringements by enacting comprehensive climate stimulus programs.

Governor Newsom must take action now.

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EOPCA Warns Newsom Puts Some Citizens at Greater Health Risk Issuing New Fracking Permits -12 More Issued Pre-Holiday Weekend

July 6, 2020

Contact: Alexander Cornell du Houx, 207.319.451, alex@protectingamerica.net

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. — Amid a global health pandemic, with COVID-19 targeting the respiratory systems of over 200,000 in the state, Californian residents may soon be exposed to compounding respiratory threats from the result of more fracking operations.

During this unprecedented time when Californians are at their most vulnerable, big oil and gas companies have been lobbying Sacramento with greater intensity. Deviously, they have taken advantage of the pandemic to benefit from relaxed governmental regulations and pushed forward new fracking projects. This further endangers the health and wellbeing of thousands of Californians. Governor Gavin Newsom has walked back his promised goals of clean energy by handing out free passes, in the form of new fracking permits.

But between April and June 1, California’s Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) issued 36 new fracking permits which ended a moratorium that Newson put in place last year. On July 2, just as people were leaving for the Fourth of July weekend CalGEM issued 12 new fracking permits to Chevron in the Lost Hills oilfield of Kern County. At any moment 256 additional fracking permits could be issued in our earthquake prone state.

“The oil and gas industry feared the drop in the prices of their products – worsened by the pandemic. They’ve been busy trying to ensure our dependency on fossil fuels by taking advantage of this life-threatening virus. They’ve been successful getting the federal government to roll back environmental protections and lifting restrictions to allow for more drilling. They’re gambling with our lives. We shouldn’t needlessly be putting more people at risk,” said San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon, Elected Officials to Protect California steering committee member.

The industry is not a money maker. Fracking has much higher variable costs than traditional oil, and the well production is very front loaded. This means fracking producers need to drill new wells all the time just to maintain production. They were indebted before the pandemic.

Elected Officials to Protect California (EOPCA) asks: Why is Governor Newsom helping a failing business, especially one that endangers the health of citizens more during a pandemic?

EOPCA and residents alike had high hopes CA would meet the state’s clean energy goals at the beginning of Newsom’s term. In 2018, the new governor pledged to protect vulnerable communities to push California beyond even the guidelines of the Paris Climate Accords to rely on entirely renewable energy sources by 2045.

The governor has upheld science and continues to promote public health when it comes to the COVID-19 virus, asking residents to wear masks. But when it comes to fracking, Newsom and science are not on the same page. EOPCA also asks him to look at the evidence that shows pollution particulates cause life threatening illnesses and to stop fracking, for unwittingly he is putting lives at risk.

“I’m proud to serve on the steering committee of Elected Official to Protect California. Over 310 of us have already signed a letter asking the governor to take action now to ban fracking. I believe Governor Newson does want to protect the health and wellbeing of all Californians. I know we are in an emergency and COVID-19 is his priority. However, climate change is an emergency too and anything that contributes to it should stop. We must stop issuing any more fracking permits. Now more than ever, we need to protect the health and safety of all our people,” added Mayor Heidi Harmon.

One of these permits has gone to the Aliso Canyon site in Los Angeles County, “the site of a record-setting methane blowout that spewed heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere and sickened nearby residents.” Newsom had pledged to permanently close the storage site, but during the confusion of the pandemic, CalGEM approved the permit.

“We need to let the governor know the serious threat fracking represents, as it adds to temperatures rising enabling the possibility of more pandemics. Together we are stronger. Together we can convince him not to issue any new permits. It’s time the state put our lives first, not the interests of the oil and gas industry. We need to ban all fracking now,” concluded Mayor Heidi Harmon.

In order to extract natural gas and to dispose of their waste frack fluid, fracking requires pumping millions of gallons of fluid into the ground, contaminating drinking water and lubricating fault lines, which drastically increases seismic activity. An extremely seismically active state like California cannot handle the increased risk of earthquakes, especially under the pressures of living with COVID-19.

Despite extensive evidence, the Newsom administration still refuses to acknowledge the impact of fracking on the environment and local communities. A Harvard study points to the starkly inequitable burden of the virus and ambient pollution, noting, “communities of color are disproportionately impacted by air pollutants and are more likely to face a ‘pollution burden’ … Particularly important for hospitals in poor neighborhoods and communities of color, which tend to be exposed to higher levels of air pollution than affluent, white communities.”

The oil and gas industry’s blatant contribution to environmental racism is particularly insidious when combined with the “statistical link between COVID-19 deaths and other diseases associated with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter.”

Californians with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, especially those in low-income and minority communities, should not bear the burden of new fracking sites known to aggravate these medical ailments. Those exposed to fracking also face a higher risk of cancer due to the release of carcinogenic gases such as benzene, neurological damage on account of volatile organic compounds, and fetal development harm (NRDC, Forbes).

Fracking also compounds water scarcity in California. Reuters reported in 2015 that California oil producers effectively destroy 70 million gallons of water a year to sustain operations, increasing drought levels drastically. Patrick Sullivan, speaking for Californians Against Fracking, states that “this is water that is by and large taken out of the water cycle for good… It’s too contaminated to use in any other way”

The San Joaquin Valley, an area recently targeted for new fracking permits, is the food basket of the world, yet it’s also the state’s primary oil production region.

“Recently we suffered through a six-year drought which made over 60,000 people in the San Joaquin Valley experience food insecurity. Children went hungry. Some people relied on water trucks for nearly two years,” said Felipe Perez City Councilmember, EOPA Steering Committee member. “Groundwater withdrawals by industrial farming operations and the oil industry—including fracking—have decreased the water table. They also pollute the groundwater. Without clean water people will continue to get sick. We need to stop the permitting.”

With a virus raging that specifically targets respiratory systems, air and water health should be of utmost concern to lawmakers and public officials. Human and environmental health need to be placed ahead of corporate profits. The fifth largest economy in the world should not continue to gamble on a poor return of residential health and state profits down the road.

Governor Gavin Newsom owes it to his constituents, communities disproportionately affected by the devastating combination of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, and California’s renewable energy goals for the future, to stop the issuance of new fracking permits and promote a clean energy economy.

“With the stroke of a pen he could issue an executive action to halt all fracking. It’s imperative for the safety and well being of his citizens,” said Councilmember Perez. “Water is a human right.”

The letter and signatories of Elected Officials to Protect California are at californiaelectedofficials.org.

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On Valentines Day, 300+ Elected Officials Ask Gov. Newsom to “Show His Love for California” and Phase Out Oil and Gas Production

February 14, 2020

Contact: Christian Brock, (707) 500-0422, christian@protectingamerica.net

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA.— On Valentines Day, a bipartisan group of hundreds of mayors, county supervisors, and local elected officials made a plea to Governor Gavin Newsom to “show his love for California” by enacting a comprehensive Climate Emergency Plan to phase out the production and burning of fossil fuels. The lawmakers said the plan must end new permits for oil and gas drilling, enact 2,500-foot science-based public health setbacks on drilling, and achieve 100% clean energy in all sectors.

Gathered at the State Capitol, the officials personally delivered a “love letter” to Governor Newsom, signed by over 300 local electeds from 49 counties, including 75 mayors. The letter highlighted the emergency action that the state must take to address the public health and climate harms caused by fossil fuels.

“Oil and gas industries continue to threaten our safety, the public’s health, and are heating up our climate beyond safe levels,” said Davis Mayor Brett Lee. The climate crisis demands action at all levels of government. Many cities have taken action, now it’s time for the state to step up.”

In the absence of comprehensive state oil and gas policy that protects Californians and the climate, the letter highlights the rapidly growing number of policies that more than 110 local governments across the state have enacted to protect their communities from fossil fuel production and burning. Concerned that Australia’s apocalyptic fires are a dire warning for California’s increasingly life-threatening fire season, local elected officials from across the state stood in solidarity at the State Capitol and called on the Governor to declare a climate emergency.

Already, more than 110 local governments in California have passed more than 165 local policies to protect their communities from fossil fuels, including phase-out plans and setbacks on oil and gas drilling, climate lawsuits or divestment from fossil fuel companies, or opposing expansion of fossil fuel production or infrastructure.

“With refineries surrounding the area I represent in Solano County, pollution is degrading the quality of life for many of our most marginalized residents. In the portion of Vallejo that I represent, we have high rates of asthma, cancer, other health issues related to pollution,” said Solano County Supervisor Monica Brown. “The time to transition to clean energy is now – to protect our citizens. It’s our moral obligation.”

With the climate crisis polling as the top issue for California voters, deadly fires and climate disasters worsening, the elected officials highlighted how the state’s fossil fuel production threatens the health and safety of our communities and emphasized that fossil fuel production drives the climate crisis and kills 12,000 Californians each year.

“Since Chico became the first city to declare a climate emergency, many others have followed. It’s high time the State issued a Climate Emergency Decree. That way we can start to take emergency action to abate the climate crisis before it’s too late,” said Chico Mayor Randall Stone. “It’s time we put our people above the profits of corporations.”

On November 19, 2019, Governor Newsom announced a halt on new oil extraction wells that use high-pressure steam injection drilling, an independent review of new fracking permits, and a new rule-making process for public health and safety protections near oil and gas extraction facilities set to take place in 2020. The officials welcomed the state’s policy shift concerning fossil fuel production, and stand ready to work with the Governor. But they consider his actions to date baby steps.

The officials said transitioning to a clean energy economy will grow jobs, and stop grave environmental health injustices happening in low-income communities and communities of color which are disproportionately affected by fossil fuel production.

“We must start transitioning to renewable energy. It’s a golden opportunity to grow jobs, and improve the health and well-being of our citizens. We have the knowhow, now we need legislative action,” said Fireburgh Former Mayor and current City Councilmember Felipe Perez. “Renewables can help ensure everyone has clean water. It’s time for bold action from our governor.”

The push from elected officials comes after the Bureau of Land Management announced its analysis of the potential effects of hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas resources on public lands and Federal minerals within the planning area in California.

Despite its reputation as a global climate leader, California is one of the nation’s top oil-producing states. Oil produced in California is some of the dirtiest and most climate-damaging crude in the world. Governor Newsom has taken small steps with the recent moratorium on certain types of drilling, yet there is no comprehensive plan to ramp down extraction. In fact, more than 21,000 permits for new drilling have been issued since 2011. Of these new oil and gas wells permitted by the state, 76 percent are located in communities with above-average poverty rates for California, and 67 percent are located in communities of color.

“We seriously need to reduce emissions and the only way to do that is to phase out the production and use of dirty fossil fuels. Gov. Newsom should take strong steps to protect Californians from the worsening effects of global climate chaos, which include fires, floods, drought and toxic air,” said Millbrae Vice Mayor Ann Schneider. “It’s outrageous, our kids can’t play outside on bad days. During those days the air is so dangerous our recreation, public works and landscape employees can’t work outdoors.”

Elected county, city, school board, and local officials from across the state, who launched Elected Officials to Protect California in 2018, are taking action both within their respective jurisdictions and across California to end the extraction of dirty fossil fuel that harms their constituents and the environment.

The most damaging health risks of oil and gas drilling occur within a one-half mile radius of active oil and gas development, according to the California Council on Science and Technology. Yet, California has no statewide policy limiting the proximity of drilling to homes, schools or other sensitive areas. According to a recent poll, nearly two-thirds of California voters support phasing out oil and gas drilling within half a mile of homes, schools and other vulnerable sites.

More than 6 million people, including tens of thousands in California, marched in the September Climate Strike demanding action to phase out fossil fuels. More than 750 grassroots organizations in California and around the world are urging the Golden State to set a global precedent by announcing a statewide plan to completely phase-out existing dirty fuel production and enact 2,500 foot setbacks on drilling to protect public health and the climate.

The letter and signatories of Elected Officials to Protect California are at californiaelectedofficials.org.

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Photo credit: Elected Officials to Protect California

50 L.A. Area Mayors, Elected Officials Ask Governor Newsom: Where’s Your Climate Plan on Fossil Fuels?

December 20, 2019

After COP25 in Madrid and Federal Drilling Expansion, Elected Officials Urge Gov. Newsom to Phase Out Oil and Gas Production in California

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIF.— Following the call from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and four California members of Congress for American leadership at the United Nations COP25 climate negotiations in Madrid, 50 mayors and local elected officials from across Los Angeles County called on Governor Gavin Newsom to enact a statewide climate emergency plan to phase out oil and gas production in California.

As President Donald Trump pulls the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accords and announced expanded drilling on federal lands in California last week, a bipartisan group of more than 50 L.A.-area local elected officials called on Gov. Newsom to phase out fossil fuels in California. Doing so is essential for California to lead America and the world given that fossil fuel production and burning is driving climate change, which kills 12,000 Californians each year. The LA-area elected officials joined more than 300 local officials from across California in urging Governor Newsom to act.

With the climate crisis polling as the top issue for California voters and with worsening climate disasters across California, the elected officials highlighted how the state’s fossil fuel production threatens the health and safety of our communities. They called on Governor Newsom to end new drilling permits and to enact a 2,500-foot setbacks on drilling to protect public health from the disastrous harms of drilling.

“While Governor Newsom is taking important steps forward, much more needs to urgently be done to halt all new oil and gas drilling permits and enact science-based 2,500-foot setbacks on toxic drilling to protect our public health and communities,” said Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells, Co-Chair of Elected Officials to Protect California. “We need to permanently discourage the fossil fuel industry in California, and to make sure the state converts to using 100% clean, renewable energy sources sooner than later.”

The officials thanked the Governor for announcing a moratorium on fracking and dangerous high-pressure cyclic steam injection oil drilling in some areas, and urged him to go further to phase out fossil fuel production in California that is driving the climate and public health emergencies. The officials raised the terrible environmental justice consequences, as low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected.

“Our state is in the thralls of a public health emergency from the effects of fossil fuels with more than 12,000 lives lost annually because of it,” said West Hollywood Mayor John D’Amico. “I’m proud to say West Hollywood is one of more than 80 local governments in California that have passed more than 115 local policies to protect our communities from fossil fuels.”

Already, more than 80 local governments in California, including the City of Richmond, which is home to the massive Chevron oil refinery, have passed more than 115 local policies to protect their communities from fossil fuels, including phase-out plans and setbacks on oil and gas drilling, climate lawsuits or divestment from fossil fuel companies, or opposing expansion of fossil fuel production or infrastructure.

“Our residents rejected a potentially lucrative oil-drilling project because of its potential harm to the community’s health and well-being. We are combating climate change by offering incentives for alternative fueled cars, including free charging stations and free parking, and encouraging businesses to be more environmentally friendly through special programs honoring their efforts,” said Mayor Mary Campbell, City of Hermosa Beach. “We call on our state leaders to do the same: Reject new oil drilling permits and encourage alternative fuels and environmentally friendly businesses.”

“Culver City sits atop Inglewood Oil Field, the largest urban oilfield in the United States. In 2018, we voted to close down the portion of the Inglewood in our jurisdiction,” said Culver City Councilmember Daniel Lee. “The health risk to our citizens is far too great for us to continue unnecessary drilling.”

The officials welcomed the state’s policy shift on fossil fuel production, and stood ready to work with the Governor. The network is asking Gov. Newsom to go further by halting permits for all new fossil fuel projects, prohibiting drilling within 2,500 feet of homes and vulnerable areas and committing the state to 100 percent renewable energy in all sectors.

Hermosa Beach, Culver City, West Hollywood, and South Pasadena are all members of the California Clean Power Alliance, focused on providing low-carbon electricity at competitive rates.

“Both at the local and regional level, I have strongly championed concrete ways to reduce climate change,” said Diana Mahmud, South Pasadena City Councilmember and Clean Power Alliance Board Chair. “The City of South Pasadena and many other cities created Clean Power Alliance in order to support and receive 100% Green Power, which I’m proud to say is powering our city today.”

The letter and signatories of Elected Officials to Protect California are at californiaelectedofficials.org.

Local Elected Officials Respond to Gov. Newsom’s Major New Oil & Gas Drilling Moratorium

November 19, 2019

Bipartisan Group of Hundreds of Officials Applauds Governor’s Decision to Halt New High-Pressure Steam Drilling Permits, Enact New Rules to Protect Public Health from Oil & Gas

Today, Gov. Newsom announced a major state policy shift on oil and gas production in California. He said the rules will “strengthen oversight of oil and gas extraction as we phase out our dependence on fossil fuels and focus on clean energy sources.” Elected Officials to Protect California has been advocating for California to end all new permits for oil and gas drilling, enact setbacks preventing drilling 2,500 feet from homes, schools, and vulnerable areas, and invest in the transition to 100% clean energy in all sectors.

In response to Gov. Newsom’s announcement, Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells, Co-Chair of Elected Officials to Protect California, said:

“On behalf of more than 307 local elected officials from 49 counties across California, we applaud today’s announcement and thank Governor Newsom for taking bold action to begin addressing fossil fuel production’s terrible costs to California. These urgently-needed steps are critical to protecting Californians from the severe public health and safety harms of oil and gas extraction on our communities, and begin phasing out oil and gas production to address the climate emergency.

“More than 5.4 million Californians live within a mile of drilling. Pollution from wells, refineries, and pipelines causes asthma, cancer, and reproductive harm, impacting disadvantaged people and people of color the most.

“With today’s actions, Gov. Newsom is taking important steps towards halting all new oil and gas drilling permits and enacting science-based 2,500-foot setbacks on toxic drilling that we urgently need to protect our public health and communities.”

After climate summit, 250 CA mayors, officials urge Gov. Brown to walk his talk, end permitting of fossil fuels

Elected officials say leading on climate means ending drilling that harms climate, communities

September 17, 2018

Press Contact: Christian Brock, Elected Officials to Protect California, christian@californiaelectedofficials.org, (618) 520-4231

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— Days after Governor Jerry Brown hosted the U.N. Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, 250 mayors, county supervisors, and elected officials from a majority of counties across California are urging the Governor to walk his talk on climate leadership by creating a statewide plan to phase out oil and gas drilling that is harming public health and worsening climate change.

“The Governor says that no state has done more on climate change,” said Culver City Vice Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells, co-chair of Elected Officials to Protect California. “Tell that to the 5.4 million Californians that live with a mile of oil and gas wells, including in my community, breathing poisoned air from dirty drilling.”

A growing bipartisan network of state, county, and city officials, which launched as Elected Officials to Protect California in June, is continuing to press Gov. Brown and the state of California more broadly to end oil and gas drilling after the Summit.

“This summit brought the clear message that leaders everywhere must pledge to do everything to keep fossil fuels in the ground,” said Carmen Ramirez, Mayor pro tem of Oxnard. “Half measures won’t get us where we desperately need to be to protect the future.”

The officials are taking action both within their respective districts and across California to end the extraction of dirty fossil fuel that harms their constituents and the environment. The network is asking Gov. Brown to take the first step by halting permits for new fossil fuel projects, prohibiting drilling within 2,500 feet of homes and vulnerable areas.

“Governor Brown has been a global champion for climate action, and now we need him to be our champion for California,” said Hillary Ronen, San Francisco Supervisor. “We’re joining with hundreds of elected officials across California calling on Governor Brown to start phasing out oil and gas production in order to protect our public health and communities.”

Despite its reputation as a global climate leader, California is one of the nation’s top oil-producing states. Oil produced in California is some of the dirtiest and most climate-damaging crude in the world, yet there are currently no plans to ramp down extraction. In fact, during the Brown administration, more than 20,000 permits for new drilling have been issued. Gov. Brown has previously stated that he is committed to decarbonizing the world – we’re asking him to take action to solidify his commitment.

“Governor Brown stood up to Trump’s offshore drilling plans, yet he has permitted 20,000 wells onshore in the middle of our communities, which are poisoning our families,” said Jovanka Beckles, Councilmember of Richmond. “We need Governor Brown to act now to phase out refinery and drilling pollution by ending new permitting of drilling.”

In addition to the climate damage caused by California’s dirty fuel extraction, thousands of oil and gas wells operate next to homes and schools, releasing toxic air pollutants that cause cancer, asthma, and other health problems. Drilling often occurs disproportionately in low-income communities and communities of color who already suffer from some of the worst air quality in the nation.

“100% clean energy means no new fossil fuels. You cannot claim to be a climate leader and frack and drill our state,” said Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, Azusa School Board Vice-President. ”Climate leadership in California means stopping the drilling that’s poisoning our families.”

Though the most significant health risks occur within a one-half mile radius of active oil and gas development, California has no statewide policy limiting the proximity of drilling to homes, schools or other sensitive areas. According to a recent poll, nearly two-thirds of California voters support phasing out oil and gas drilling within half a mile of homes, schools and other vulnerable sites.

“Much of the fossil fuel production in the Bay Area and California happens in low-income communities of color that receive few economic benefits but must suffer from the deadly pollutants emitted,” said Sandra Fewer, San Francisco Supervisor. “The history of fossil fuel production in the State of California is a history of the worst form of environmental injustice.”

The elected leaders noted that phasing out fossil fuel extraction would create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the state through increased investment in renewable energy, clean vehicles and buildings, energy efficiency, public transportation and other innovative solutions.

“We regularly hear from constituents about the tremendous burdens that fossil fuel production places on our communities and public health, especially low-income communities and communities of color,” said Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA17). “Transformative climate leadership must include bold action on the production side of fossil fuels. California can lead the way on limiting fossil fuel extraction just as we have led in the transition to renewable energy by ending the issuance of new permits for fossil fuel development and infrastructure.”

“In signing SB100, Gov. Brown has recognized the need to phase out oil and gas. He has heard our voices,” said Elizabeth Patterson Mayor of Benicia, home of the Valero Benicia oil refinery. “We look forward to working with the Governor and his leadership to begin the policy and legislative process of phasing out oil and gas drilling, while accelerating our economic independence of oil and gas. I thank the Governor for his leadership.”

“California has never been afraid to lead,” said San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. “The world is counting on us to take the first step and start phasing out the dirty oil and gas production that is the source of the climate emergency and deadly pollution. We need Governor Brown to act now to protect our communities and public health.”

September 10, 2018

Statement from Culver City Vice Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells | Co-Chair:

Statement on Behalf of 240 California Lawmakers Regarding Gov. Brown Signing SB100

Bipartisan Group of Hundreds of Officials Commends Signing, Urges Governor to End New Permitting for Oil & Gas Projects to Protect Public Health

SB100 Commits State to Power From 100% Clean Electricity by 2045, Does Not Address Fossil Fuel Extraction in California

“On behalf of 240 elected officials from a majority of California counties calling to phase out fossil fuel production and transition to clean energy, we commend Governor Brown for signing SB100 and Senator Kevin de León’s visionary leadership in crafting this bill. It is a historic day for California and our nation.

“While SB 100 should be celebrated, it does not address the climate impacts and terrible public health impacts of ongoing oil and gas production in our communities. More than 5.4 million Californians live within a mile of drilling. Pollution from wells, refineries, and pipelines causes asthma, cancer, and reproductive harm, impacting disadvantaged people and people of color the most. Despite the known harms, California has permitted 20,000 new oil and gas wells during Governor Brown’s administration and has no statewide setbacks on drilling from homes, schools, and hospitals.

“There is a disconnect between transitioning to 100% clean energy without ending the terrible impacts of oil and gas production on our communities today. We cannot hold our breaths until 2045 and continue to suffer the dire consequences of fossil fuel extraction. We cannot do one without the other.

“That’s why we call on the Governor to end new permits for fossil fuel projects and create a 2,500-foot drilling setback from homes, schools, and vulnerable areas. This is the leadership that we urgently need to protect our public health and communities.”

Elected Official’s to Protect California’s letter urging Governor Brown to phase out oil and gas production can be viewed here.

September 6, 2018

For Immediate Release, September 6, 2018

Press Contact: Christian Brock, Elected Officials to Protect California, christian@californiaelectedofficials.org, (618) 520-4231

Supermajority of San Francisco Supervisors, 100+ Bay Area Officials Call on Gov. Brown to Phase Out Oil and Gas Production in California

A Week from Global Climate Summit, Host City Elected Officials & Hundreds More Say Keeping State’s Fossil Fuels in the Ground Necessary to Protect Public Health and Lead on Climate Change

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— A week before the city hosts the Governor’s Global Climate Action Summit, nine San Francisco supervisors are joining with more than 220 local officials from a majority of counties across California urging Governor Jerry Brown to create a statewide plan to phase out oil and gas drilling that is harming public health and worsening climate change.

“Governor Brown has been a global champion for climate action, and now we need him to be our champion for California,” said Hillary Ronen, San Francisco Supervisor. “We’re joining with hundreds of elected officials across California calling on Governor Brown to start phasing out oil and gas production in order to protect our public health and communities.”

The growing bipartisan network of state, county, and city officials, which launched as Elected Officials to Protect California in June, is taking action both within their respective districts and across California to end the extraction of dirty fossil fuel that harms their constituents and the environment. The network is asking Gov. Brown to take the first step by halting permits for new fossil fuel projects, prohibiting drilling within 2,500 feet of homes and vulnerable areas and committing the state to 100 percent renewable energy.

Despite its reputation as a global climate leader, California is one of the nation’s top oil-producing states. Oil produced in California is some of the dirtiest and most climate-damaging crude in the world, yet there are currently no plans to ramp down extraction. In fact, during the Brown administration, more than 20,000 permits for new drilling have been issued. Gov. Brown has previously stated that he is committed to decarbonizing the world – we’re asking him to take action to solidify his commitment.

The nine San Francisco Supervisors joining the letter are Supervisors Vallie Brown, Sandra Lee Fewer, Jane Kim, Rafael Mandelman, Aaron Peskin, Hillary Ronen, Catherine Stefani, Katie Tang, and Norman Yee.

“As leaders elected by the people, our greatest responsibility is to ensure the safety of our citizens. That’s why San Francisco has led on transitioning to clean energy and taking the fight to the fossil fuel industry that is causing climate change,” said Norman Yee, San Francisco Supervisor. “Now it’s time for Governor Brown and commit California to phasing out fossil fuel production that is harming our health and future.”

The call to phase out fossil fuels in California has also drawn support from members of Congress Barbara Lee and Ro Khanna.

“We regularly hear from constituents about the tremendous burdens that fossil fuel production places on our communities and public health, especially low-income communities and communities of color,” said Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA17). “Transformative climate leadership must include bold action on the production side of fossil fuels. California can lead the way on limiting fossil fuel extraction just as we have led in the transition to renewable energy by ending the issuance of new permits for fossil fuel development and infrastructure.”

More than 800 environmental, public health and community groups have joined the “Brown’s Last Chance” campaign similarly demanding that Gov. Brown halt new oil and gas drilling in the state and devise a fair and equitable plan to phase it out entirely. If Gov. Brown does not act, he will lose those groups’ support for his Global Climate Action Summit in September.

“California has never been afraid to lead,” said Rafael Mandelman, San Francisco Supervisor “The world is counting on us to take the first step and start phasing out the dirty oil and gas production that is the source of the climate emergency and deadly pollution. We need Governor Brown to act now to protect our communities and public health.”

September 5, 2018

For Immediate Release, September 5, 2018

Press Contact: Christian Brock, Elected Officials to Protect California, christian@californiaelectedofficials.org, (707) 646-1186

U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, 90 Santa Clara County & Bay Area Officials in Urging Gov. Brown to Phase Out Oil and Gas Production in California

Letter Says Keeping State’s Fossil Fuels in the Ground Necessary to Protect Public Health and Lead on Climate Change

SAN JOSE, Calif.— Echoing severe concerns that fossil fuel production threatens the health and safety of our citizens, 90 officials from San Jose and the Bay Area including U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA17) are joining with more than 220 local officials from 34 counties across California calling on Governor Jerry Brown for a statewide plan to phase out oil and gas drilling.

The growing bipartisan network of state, county, and city officials, which launched as Elected Officials to Protect California in June, is taking action both within their respective districts and across California to end the extraction of dirty fossil fuel that harms their constituents and the environment. As the bill SB100 is sent to his desk, hundreds of officials are urging Gov. Brown to take the next step by halting permits for new fossil fuel projects, prohibiting drilling within 2,500 feet of homes and vulnerable areas and committing the state to 100 percent renewable energy.

Despite its reputation as a global climate leader, California is one of the nation’s top oil-producing states. Oil produced in California is some of the dirtiest and most climate-damaging crude in the world, yet there are currently no plans to ramp down extraction. In fact, during the Brown administration, more than 20,000 permits for new drilling have been issued. Gov. Brown has previously stated that he is committed to decarbonizing the world – we’re asking him to take action to solidify his commitment.

“The pollution produced from oil and gas extraction is poisoning us,” said Marsha Grilli, Vice Mayor of Milpitas. “California produces some the dirtiest crude in the world. I’ve been fighting to protect the most vulnerable members of our community for over 30 years, innocent children. What kind of future will there be for them if the planet becomes uninhabitable?” We must phase out fossil fuels before it is too late.”

“If fossil fuels continue to be extracted from the ground, they will be used and they will pollute,” said Mayor Lenny Siegel, City of Mountain View. “As we work to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in our communities, we must also take action to phase out production. That’s why I’ve joined over 200 elected officials from across the state in calling on Gov. Brown to stand up and be the climate champion California needs.”

“The devastation from fires, floods, and sea level rise that we are seeing now is not the ‘new normal.’ I wish it were, but climate impacts will keep getting worse because of the warming that’s already locked in,” said Michael S. Goldman, Sunnyvale City Councilmember. “By ending natural gas and oil drilling now, we can stop the climate emergency from getting too much worse, but time is running out. We must act now, and Governor Brown can take the next step by making a plan for phasing out oil and gas drilling.”

More information about Elected Officials to Protect California:

http://californiaelectedofficials.org

August 23, 2018

For Immediate Release, August 23, 2018

Press Contact: Christian Brock, Elected Officials to Protect California, christian@californiaelectedofficials.org, (707) 646-1186

Central Valley Officials Call on Gov. Brown to Phase Out Oil and Gas Production in California

Letter Says Keeping State’s Fossil Fuels in the Ground Necessary to Protect Public Health and Lead on Climate Change

FRESNO, Calif.— Echoing severe concerns that fossil fuel production threatens the health and safety of residents, Central Valley officials are joining with more than 150 local officials from a majority of counties across California that sent a bipartisan letter the past June to Governor Jerry Brown calling for a statewide plan to phase out oil and gas drilling.

The growing network of state, county, and city officials, called Elected Officials to Protect California, is taking action both within their respective districts and across California to end the extraction of dirty fossil fuel that harms their constituents and the environment. The network is urging Gov. Brown to take the first step by halting permits for new fossil fuel projects, prohibiting drilling within 2,500 feet of homes and vulnerable areas and committing the state to 100 percent renewable energy.

“The biggest impacts of fossil fuels are in our communities with the lowest income families, and farm worker communities like mine with poor air quality from fugitive emissions from oil operations and the carbon economy,” said Rey León, Mayor of the city of Huron. “We are calling on Governor Brown to be a true climate leader by making a plan for phasing out fossil fuel production and empowering low-income and farmworker families in the clean energy economy.”

Despite its reputation as a global climate leader, California is one of the nation’s top oil-producing states. Oil produced in California is some of the dirtiest and most climate-damaging crude in the world, yet there are currently no plans to ramp down extraction. In fact, during the Brown administration, more than 20,000 permits for new drilling have been issued. Gov. Brown has previously stated that he is committed to decarbonizing the world – we’re asking him to take action to solidify his commitment.

“My biggest concern in our Central Valley is air pollution. We have some drastic challenges due to the poor quality of air that we breath on a daily basis. We have a moral obligation to take action so we can improve our quality of life here in our Central Valley.” said Jose Ornelas, Councilmember, City of San Joaquin

“It is imperative that California continue to lead the effort to combat climate change by moving to 100% clean, renewable energy and ending issuance of permits for fossil fuel production,” said Eric Payne, Trustee State Center Community College District Trustee Fresno County. “Only through bold measures can we save our environment and the time to act is now.”

August 21, 2018

For Immediate Release, August 21, 2018

Press Contact: Christian Brock, Elected Officials to Protect California, christian@californiaelectedofficials.org, (707) 646-1186

Photo and video:
Rebecca Kaplan, Councilmember, City of Oakland
Cheryl Davila, Vice Mayor, City of Berkeley
Dan Kalb, Councilmember, City of Oakland
Jovanka Beckles, Councilmember, City of Richmond
Jesse Arreguin, Mayor of Berkeley

50+ Bay Area Officials Call on Gov. Brown to Phase Out Oil and Gas Production in California

Letter Says Keeping State’s Fossil Fuels in the Ground Necessary to Protect Public Health and Lead on Climate Change

OAKLAND, Calif.— Echoing severe concerns that fossil fuel production threatens the health and safety of residents, scores of Bay Area officials are joining with more than 150 local officials from a majority of counties across California calling on Governor Jerry Brown calling for a statewide plan to phase out oil and gas drilling.

The growing network of state, county, and city officials, Elected Officials to Protect California, is taking action both within their respective districts and across California to end the extraction of dirty fossil fuel that harms their constituents and the environment. The network is urging Gov. Brown to take the first step by halting permits for new fossil fuel projects, prohibiting drilling within 2,500 feet of homes and vulnerable areas and committing the state to 100 percent renewable energy.

“Despite its reputation as a global climate leader, California is one of the nation’s top oil-producing states. As we see the crisis of growing fires, we should take the opportunity to improve both our economy and our public health by moving toward more sustainable transportation and energy strategies that benefit our community,” said Rebecca Kaplan, Councilmember, City of Oakland.

Despite its reputation as a global climate leader, California is one of the nation’s top oil-producing states. Oil produced in California is some of the dirtiest and most climate-damaging crude oil in the world, yet there are currently no plans to ramp down extraction. In fact, during the Brown administration, more than 20,000 permits for new drilling have been issued. Gov. Brown has previously stated that he is committed to decarbonizing the world – we’re asking him to take action to solidify his commitment.

“Climate change is no longer something in our future, it is here now,” said Cheryl Davila, Vice Mayor, City of Berkeley. “California is experiencing warmer temperature, more fires, and droughts.”

“It’s not just an environmental justice matter to care about the change and take action, it’s a moral imperative,” said Dan Kalb, Councilmember, City of Oakland. “Governor Brown has taken positive action to address climate change, but we need more, California needs to phase fossil fuels and phase up, renewable energy and clean transportation.”

Environmental justice is a matter of survival – California oil is among the dirtiest crude in the entire world producing more pollutants and destructive gas than any other, three quarters of fracking wells in California are within 600 meters of groundwater sources; this threatens our water supply,” said Jovanka Beckles, Councilmember, City of Richmond. “California oil drilling disproportionately affects low-income communities of color, which is why we see this as a systemic form of environmental racism.”

“This is not just a crisis, this is an emergency – We call upon Gov Brown to recognize the emergency that faces the planet the impacts upon our health, our drinking water, and the environment, his Global Climate Action Summit is the perfect opportunity,” said Jesse Arreguin, Mayor of Berkeley.

The full letter and list of signatories of Elected Officials to Protect California is available at: http://californiaelectedofficials.org/

June 26, 2018

For Immediate Release, June 26, 2018

Press Contact: Phillip Vander Klay, Elected Officials to Protect California, phillipvanderklay@gmail.com, (916) 764-7056

100+ Local Electeds Launch New Network with Letter Calling on Gov. Brown to Phase Out Oil and Gas Production in CA

Letter Says Keeping State’s Fossil Fuels in the Ground Necessary to Protect Public Health and Lead on Climate Change

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Echoing serious concerns from citizens whose health and safety are threatened by fossil fuel production, a group of more than 100 local elected officials across California sent a letter to Governor Jerry Brown today calling for a statewide plan to phase out oil and gas drilling.

Today’s letter marks the launch of Elected Officials to Protect California, an independent elected officials network working to demand an end to the dirty fossil fuel extraction that harms their constituents and the environment. The network is urging Gov. Brown to take the first step by halting permits for new fossil fuel projects, prohibiting drilling within 2,500 feet of homes and vulnerable areas and committing the state to 100 percent renewable energy.

“Oil fields make dreadful neighbors. In Culver City, we’re taking steps to end oil extraction in our city,” said Meghan Sahli-Wells, Vice Mayor of Culver City. “I urge Governor Brown to follow suit and protect Californians’ health and our planet’s future from dirty drilling operations.”

Despite its reputation as a global climate leader, California is one of the nation’s top oil-producing states. Oil produced in California is some of the dirtiest and most climate-damaging crude in the world, yet there are currently no plans to ramp down extraction. In fact, more than 20,000 permits for new drilling have been issued during the Brown administration.

In addition to the climate damage caused by California’s dirty fuel extraction, thousands of oil and gas wells operate next to homes and schools, releasing toxic air pollutants that cause cancer, asthma and other health problems. Drilling often occurs disproportionately in low-income communities and communities of color who already suffer from some of the worst air quality in the nation.

“Our highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of our communities as we insure job security for a just transition,” said José Gurrola, Mayor of Arvin. “This means holding the oil industry accountable and protecting our most vulnerable residents from fossil fuel production happening near their homes and schools.”

Though the greatest health risks occur within one-half mile from active oil and gas development, California has no statewide policy limiting the proximity of drilling to homes, schools or other sensitive areas. According to a recent poll, nearly two-thirds of California voters support phasing out oil and gas drilling within half a mile of homes, schools and other vulnerable sites.

“Our city has never been afraid to tackle climate change by taking on the oil industry,” said Serge Dedina, Mayor of Imperial Beach. “This letter is our challenge to Governor Brown to do the same.”

Today’s letter comes as more than 800 environmental, public health and community groups have joined the “Brown’s Last Chance” campaign similarly demanding that Gov. Brown halt new oil and gas drilling in the state and devise a fair and equitable plan to phase it out entirely. If Gov. Brown does not act, he will lose those groups’ support for his Global Climate Action Summit in September.

Additional Statements:

“I have devoted my life to serve my community and to achieve environmental and climate justice in the San Joaquin Valley on the frontlines of massive contaminating industries,” said Rey León, Mayor of Huron. “Independent elected leaders like myself are standing together to call on Governor Brown to develop a comprehensive plan to 100 percent renewable energy that will phase out fossil fuels while integrating and empowering low-income and farmworker families to be effective stakeholders.”

“We are here with a message to Governor Brown and the nation,” said Elizabeth Patterson, Mayor of Benicia. “We are local elected leaders taking bold steps to ask the state’s leaders including Governor Brown to clean up our cities, towns and agricultural lands and protect our people by calling for an end to the extraction, processing and burning of fossil fuels that makes California one of the largest oil producers on the globe.”

“We turned the corner a couple of years ago in being able to produce and store energy from renewable sources,” said Rex Parris, Mayor of Lancaster. “The only reason to continue supporting the fossil fuel industry is greed. We are out of time because of climate disruption, and must stand up for our children.”

“We must think of the future that our children will inherit, so it is our responsibility not to be short-sighted,” said Carmen Ramirez, Mayor Pro Tem of Oxnard. “We must act now to save that future, and we will be held accountable.”

“A ban on fracking is essential to protecting the health of low-income people in California,” said Yolo County Supervisor Jim Provenza

“Pollution continues to plague air quality in the Central Valley and has such harmful effects on our children, seniors and those with asthma and other lung diseases that too often end up in a doctor’s office, the hospital or emergency room.” said Fresno-area State Center Community College District Trustee Eric Payne. ”Phasing out oil and gas drilling is a step in the right direction to better protect our loved ones.”

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