The State of California is sponsoring a series of statewide meetings where members of the public can testify about the ways the oil industry affects our health and that of our communities. One of these meetings is being held in Oakland. We highly encourage everyone with a story to tell about oil industry impacts on you, your family and your neighborhood to come and testify. We will have two minutes to speak our hearts and minds.
The meeting is sponsored by the Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM, formerly DOGGR) of the state’s Department of Conservation. Although CalGEM specifically regulates oil and gas production (oil drilling), it will share public testimony from this meeting with other state regulatory agencies.
The new rulemaking that results will be based on this important public input, and will consider the best available science and data to inform new and strengthened protective state requirements.
The Sunflower Alliance is making arrangements for free transportation from Rodeo and Richmond to the hearing. If you need a ride, please let us know at action@sunflower-alliance.com .
See this Facebook post for a recording of the first public hearing in Bakersfield meeting on February 19.
A little more background:
AB345 (currently heading toward the state senate) and the Governor’s own plans require Public Health Rulemaking around the urgent call for 2,500-foot setbacks from oil and gas extraction sites. The first step is this series of pre-rulemaking community meetings to gather public input.
When you testify about Bay Area oil industry impacts, please be sure to start with a strong statement of solidarity with those folks who are living near oil drilling sites, and express your support for setbacks and AB345.
If you can’t attend:
Written comments can be sent via email to CalGEMRegulations@conservation.ca.gov
or by postal mail to—
Department of Conservation
801 K Street, MS 24-02
Sacramento, CA 95814
ATTN: Public Health near Oil Gas Rule-making
WHEN
Monday, March 9, 12:30 – 3 PM. A rally outside is scheduled for noon.
WHERE
Greenlining Institute
360 14th St., Oakland (near 12th St. BART)