In the wake of the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, what is your position on offshore oil drilling in California? Do you support forcing oil companies to share revenue obtained from offshore oil wells with local communities? Why or why not?

PDF Print E-mail

I have consistently opposed new drilling off of the California coastline and off of the Central Coast specifically.  The horrific Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion is evidence of the risks involved with drilling for oil.  The oil spill is inflicting major damage to sensitive ecosystems and there is no end in sight.  We must seek energy alternatives that decrease our dependence on fossil fuels.  This must be partnered with increased conservation practices to create sustainable communities.  I support an oil extraction fee for big oil companies; California is one of only four states in the country that do not require these fees.