The California Chamber of Commerce and a number of other groups have formed a coalition to educate the public and correct misinformation about proven, safe oil extraction technologies. "Continued, safe domestic oil production is critical to our state’s energy independence and our economy. Currently 40% of our state’s petroleum energy needs are met with domestic supplies and our population is growing. Hydraulic fracturing has been safely used to extract domestic oil in California for more than 60 years," said CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg. 

Understanding the need to balance environmental protection with job creation, initial members of the coalition, Californians for a Safe, Secure Energy Future, are the CalChamber, California Independent Petroleum Association, Independent Oil Producers’ Agency, National Federation of Independent Business/California and the Western States Petroleum Association. 

Unfortunately, activists opposed to meeting a substantial amount of California’s energy needs with in-state resources are spreading misleading information and advocating a ban on hydraulic fracturing.

Keeping oil production in California helps the state achieve energy independence while producing tens of thousands of well-paying jobs, also creating revenue for the state to fund vital programs.

A California State University, Fresno study estimated that enhanced extraction of oil and gas in California would generate up to $6.7 billion in additional revenue for state and local governments, thereby helping fund classrooms, public safety and other vital programs and services.

Under legislation signed last year by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. (SB 4; Pavley; D-Agoura Hills, Chapter 313), California established the most stringent hydraulic fracturing regulations in the country. SB 4 requires: 

• An independent, science-based study of hydraulic fracturing; 
• The development of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR); 
• Mandatory public disclosure of the content of all chemicals used; 
• Well integrity testing before and after fracturing;
• Regular testing of nearby drinking water sources; 
• Prior notification of surrounding landowners. 

The petroleum industry in California provides tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and billions in state and local tax revenues and property taxes.

According to economic professors at CSU Fresno, future development of the state’s Monterey oil and gas reserves through enhanced recovery could: 

• • Create up to 195,000 new high-paying jobs;
• • Generate as much as $22 billion in personal income gains. 

Californians already consume all the oil and gas generated in California. Demand also forces the state to import more than 60% of the oil California needs each year from outside the state.

Although growth in alternative energy sources will help meet some future demand, additional supply from within California is needed to meet current demand and to keep pace with population growth. California has the largest shale oil reserves in the country. 

Visit www.SafeEnergyCalifornia.com for more information. Follow Californians for a Safe Secure Energy Future on Twitter, www.twitter.com/SafeEnergyCA.