CIPA Fighting Santa Barbara County’s Senseless Climate Action Plan

Santa Barbara County's proposed Climate Action Plan ordinance aims to reduce oil and gas production within the county and eventually end it completely. CIPA is fighting back and will not stand for this sort of violation of the rights of independent oil and gas producers putting their capital on the line to deliver the affordable energy Californians need.

CIPA drafted and delivered this letter to the Board of Supervisors in Santa Barbara.

Key Points of the Letter:

1. Increase in Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

   • Reducing local oil production will necessitate increased imports of foreign oil, primarily from Iraq, Ecuador, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. This shift would elevate greenhouse gas emissions due to higher emissions from tanker ships and the use of non-compliant oil from these regions.

   • Imported oil remains exempt from California’s environmental standards, in contrast to California oil which is produced in accordance with stringent GHG regulations.

     
     

2. Failure to Meet CEQA Requirements:

   • The ordinance does not include a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR), as mandated under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The failure to assess the environmental impact of increased GHG emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from foreign oil imports violates state law.

   • CEQA also mandates consideration of limiting access to mineral resources, which the ordinance fails to address adequately.

     
     

3. Legal Concerns and Federal Preemption:

   • The ordinance attempts to restrict Class II injection wells despite federal regulations that designate these as under the exclusive jurisdiction of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

   • AB 3233, which the county cites to justify regulation, does not override federal authority as affirmed in recent court rulings.

     
     

4. Economic and Employment Impact:

   • The proposed ordinance would likely result in job losses and reduced tax revenue for Santa Barbara County. The oil and gas sector contributes significantly through ad valorem taxes and high-paying jobs, which are irreplaceable by other industries.

     
     

5. Gasoline Price Implications:

   • In-state oil production is more cost-effective than importing foreign oil. Limiting local production will raise gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel prices for California drivers.

     
     

CIPA strongly urges the Board of Supervisors to reconsider the proposed ordinance. The association advocates for a balanced approach that addresses environmental concerns without undermining local energy production, economic stability, and compliance with both state and federal laws.