CIPA Opposes Santa Barbara County’s Proposed Oil Phase-Out

Last week CIPA submitted formal comments opposing Santa Barbara County’s proposed ordinance to phase out permitted oil operations.

The letter argues the measure conflicts with state policy, specifically SB 237, which aims to increase in-state oil production and reduce reliance on imports. The association warns the county’s proposal would instead raise fuel costs and undermine California’s energy security.

The letter also contends that the ordinance would increase greenhouse gas emissions by forcing greater dependence on foreign oil produced under weaker environmental and labor standards. Locally, it would threaten thousands of jobs, reduce county tax revenues, and worsen an existing budget deficit.

From the letter: “phasing out oil production in Santa Barbara County will increase greenhouse gas emissions, increase other environmental harms, raise gas prices, put people out of work, exacerbate the county’s budget deficit, violate CEQA law, violate federal law, and subject the county to expensive litigation that it will lose. For these reasons, the county would be well advised to pause this action and have a dialogue with industry on a better path forward.”