Offshore drilling victory
At their August public hearing in Costa Mesa, the California Coastal
Commission unanimously voted to object to the Bush Administration's
effort to extend 36 offshore oil leases between Oxnard and San Luis
Obispo. The next day a Federal judge ruled on the same issue, barring
the extension of the leases until an extensive environmental review
can take place. These leases are the last offshore spots not included
in the Federal drilling moratorium, and with this ruling it is highly
unlikely that there will be any new drilling in these areas for several
years.
Californians have been united against additional offshore oil drilling
since the devastating 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, and Sierra Club
coastal activists have been working for years to fight back constant
drilling threats to our coast. This is a huge victory for everyone
who wants clean water, safe beaches and protection for ocean and
coastal plants and animals.
The Coastal Commission stood up for all Californians, while the
Federal Government refused to even show up and answer questions
at the public hearing. Coastal Commission Chair Meg Caldwell was
right on the money when she said that their failure to appear was
"an affront to the Coastal Commission, the Federal courts and
the people of California."
Thanks to all coastal activists who have stood with us over the
years. This victory is another reminder that united, we are succeeding
in protecting Californiaâs threatened coastline for future
generations.
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