Sacramento, CA – The Renewable Energy Accountability Project (REAP) praised today’s overwhelming vote by the California State Assembly to reject renewed oil-drilling provisions off the California Coast as a part of state budget deal. AB 23 (which would have transferred the approval authority away from the State Lands Commission to a new panel comprised of the state Controller, and two Schwarzenegger appointees) was rejected by a vote of 43 noes, 28 ayes with 9 not voting.

“This sends a clear message that forty-years of hard-fought bi-partisan pro-environment policies are not for sale,” stated Jim Gonzalez, Chair of the Renewable Energy Accountability Project.

“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,” continued Gonzalez.

“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.

The Renewable Energy Accountability Project is a leading national grass-roots environmental organization committed to achieving solar and clean energy independence...