Environmental Defense Center

Open space and wildlife preservation (issues regarding endangered species, habitats, watersheds, agricultural and open space lands): opposed city of solvangs application to drill new wells that threaten endangered steelhead in the santa ynez river; litigated challenge to u.s. Forest services approval of logging project at reyes peak in the los padres national forest on appeal; reached a favorable settlement agreement directing the bureau of reclamation to conduct environmental studies in support of operating twitchell dam in a manner consistent with the endangered species act; continued efforts to preserve naples and more mesa; led creek surveys and cleanups; monitored development of forest service logging project in los padres national forest; supported the county of santa barbaras denial of rancho la lagunas subdivision project as a party in litigation; supported santa barbara lafco denial of the city of lompocs proposed annexation of bailey avenue farmland.

Climate and energy (issues regarding oil and gas development, climate change, renewable energy): worked to defend the denial of exxonmobil proposal to truck oil and prevent renewed offshore oil production through county process and in court; opposed proposal to replace or repair damaged plains pipeline and ensure adequate environmental review of potential impacts; opposed exxonmobil/pacific pipeline company pipeline valve project; participated in process regardng transfer of the permit for the plains pipelines from plains all american pipeline company to an exxonmobil subsidiary, pacific pipeline company; participated in process regarding oil companies petition for certiorari in edc v. Boem (offshore fracking litigation); investigated application of general conservation plan for oil and gas activities in santa barbara county; supported sb 1304 (aquifer exemptions) to ensure protection of safe drinking water; submitted comments to calgem to support proposed phase-out of well stimulation treatments.

Clean water (polluted discharges, stormwater runoff, safe drinking water): supported sb 1304 (aquifer exemptions) to ensure protection of safe drinking water; opposed proposal to replace or repair damaged plains pipeline and ensure adequate environmental review of potential impacts