Energy Bill Would Allow Oil Drilling Off Ventura County Coast

An energy bill currently making its way through Congress would allow new oil and gas drilling off the coasts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

If passed, the bill would require the U.S. Department of the Interior to lease federally-controlled landin Southern California, and specifically in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, by July 2014.

“As a nation, we are facing tremendous times,” said Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R).  “Our country has a dangerous dependence on foreign oil that must be addressed, and in this tough economy, creating jobs here at home is always a top priority.”

The bill would also remove California’s control to  review leasing or drilling operations. Under the current Coastal Zone Management Act, the state can initiate a multi-year appeals process to delay offshore construction projects.

A constellation of groups including the California Coastal Commission, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, the California Natural Resources Agency, and assorted environmental organizations have opposed the bill.

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