Press Release
September 12, 2013
Yesterday afternoon, the California Assembly voted 47-17 to pass the one remaining fracking bill, SB 4. Next, the Senate voted 28-8 in favor. We recently asked for it pass, and so did thousands of our members. But not like this.
Before they passed SB 4, lawmakers accepted last-minute amendments from the oil and gas industry – amendments that undermine the original intent of SB 4 to protect Californians from dangerous fracking and other well stimulation techniques like acidizing. For example, the amendments allow a 15-month grace period during which oil companies will be able to secure permits for fracking and other well stimulation without being subject to environmental review required by the California Environmental Quality Act.
While we appreciate Senator Pavley’s leadership in addressing the environmental and public health threats from fracking, and while many of the important protections for Californians remain, including public notification of fracking operations, groundwater monitoring, disclosure of the chemicals used in fracking, and an independent scientific review of public health and safety hazards, the new amendments have changed SB 4 into a bill we simply can’t support.
It’s deeply disappointing that this version of SB 4 is now on its way to Governor Brown’s desk. Californians have already waited far too long for protections from fracking and SB 4 does not go far enough.
Therefore, in the absence of adequate legislation to protect Californians from dangerous fracking and acidizing techniques, we ask Governor Brown to use his existing authority to immediately impose a moratorium on fracking and acidizing.
Sarah Rose, CEO, California League of Conservation Voters
Rick Zbur, Chair of the Board, California League of Conservation Voters
ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
