Measure P: Misconceptions

I want to clear up some misconceptions about Measure P.

This measure is not going to shut down the existing conventional functioning of oil companies in Santa Barbara, nor is it going to halt future safe drilling. It is not going to make us more dependent on foreign oil — the oil here has to be sent away to be refined, so it won’t remain local. It’s not the type of oil we can use for our cars, anyway. And we can see from similar bans passed throughout the country (e.g., in New York state) that litigation will not stand up in court and therefore won’t be costly to the community.

What is it going to do?

It will prevent dangerous oil extraction. No oil companies have submitted permits to use fracking in this county — and that’s great. We aim to keep it that way. But another dangerous practice, steam injection, is already in use and is threatening our county’s health.

If P passes, our water will be safe from unexpected oil seeps and toxic chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid. And we’ll conserve water in this drought if we don’t use thousands of gallons on extreme oil extraction. Voting “yes” on P on November 4 will protect agriculture and tourism in Santa Barbara by keeping the community clean and beautiful.