Energy Environmental Blog

New Drilling Offshore CA?

Written by Vorys | Jan 29, 2009 11:58:09 AM

The CA State Lands Commission is expected to vote on a proposal that could lead to the first new oil drilling project off the California coast in 40 years, according to this article in the Mercury News.  The proposal was announced last year and involved an alliance between anti-oil environmentalists and the oil company, supported by billions in revenue for the state and a commitment to end local drilling by 2022.

Of course, the Commission could vote against the proposal . . .

[Update:  The Commission rejected the proposal.  From the LA Times:  "Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, one of three members of the lands panel, said allowing any new drilling in state waters would suggest the state welcomes offshore drilling and send a come-hither message to other oil companies."]