‘No on P’ Far Outraising Opponents
Californians for Energy Independence — a political committee composed of oil-industry heavy hitters — has raised more than $1.8 million in its efforts to defeat drilling bans statewide, including Santa Barbara County’s Measure P, which would outlaw all new fracking, acidizing, and cyclic-steaming operations in the unincorporated areas if voters okay it in November. The committee has aimed approximately $365,000 against Measure P. Notable donors include Chevron ($1.2 million), Freeport-McMoRan LLC ($463,483), Orcutt Oil Field–operator Pacific Coast Energy Company ($27,473), and Breitburn ($24,423), which has ties to Pacific Coast Energy Company. The regional “No on P” campaign saw Venoco donate $80,000 this week, adding to the $78,500 already given by Pacific Coast Energy Company. The “Yes on P” campaign has raised $45,876.
