Current Legislation:
AB X4 23 - Oil-Drilling for CA’s Coast?
Not so fast!
STATE BRIEFING
AB X4 23
July 24, 2009
Sacramento, CA - REAP Chair Jim Gonzalez, issued the following statement congratulating the California Assembly for defeating a proposal to renew oil drilling off the California Coast, as a partial solution to the state’s budget deficit.
“Members of the state Assembly who stood up against out-of-state Big Oil special interests deserve to be recognized for their vote to protect the environment,” stated Gonzalez.
“Our supporters made hundreds of calls to key Assembly members…This vote sends a clear message that California’s pro-environment policies are not for sale,” continued Gonzalez.
Assembly Bill X4 23 would have seized the California State Lands Commission’s authority to grant new oil leases and opened the state’s pristine coastline to offshore oil drilling for the first time in 41 years. The original floor vote was 43 noes, 28 ayes with 9 not voting.
“Our fragile environment cannot defend itself. Californians must remain vigilant for other attempts to weaken long standing environmental protections. California’s energy independence lies in sources of renewable energy not more offshore oil drilling,” Gonzalez concluded.
This is a video snapshot of the original floor vote taken immediately after it was recorded on the California Channel, Friday, July 24, 2009. Currently, the action has been rescinded and the record has been expunged:
