New map reveals massive number of offshore oil wells in California waters

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On January 4, 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown joined Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee in condemning President Donald Trump’s plan to expand oil and gas drilling in federal waters as “reckless” and “short-sighted.” Ironically, as the three … Continued

California lacks real marine protection as Governor Brown expands offshore drilling

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One of the big news stories neglected by the media is the capture of California politics and the regulatory apparatus by Big Oil and other corporate interests in recent years – and the massive expansion of offshore drilling that has occurred … Continued

Two bills blocking new offshore drilling pass through Appropriations Committee

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Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s Assembly Bill 1775 and Senator Hannah Beth Jackson’s Senate Bill 834, bills to protect the California coast from new federal offshore drilling leases, passed out of their respective Appropriations Committees today after being referred to the suspense file in April. The Assembly and … Continued

Commission suspends license of charter boat operator for poaching in MPA network

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The California Fish and Game Commission on February 7 ordered a five-year suspension of the license of Pacific Star Sportfishing, Inc., a recreational sportfishing vessel operator, for fishing in the “marine protected area” network created under the privately-funded Marine Life … Continued

California, Oregon and Washington Governors blast federal plan to expand offshore oil and gas drilling

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On January 4, California Governor Jerry Brown joined Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee in condemning President Donald Trump’s plan to expand oil and gas drilling in federal waters – at the same time that California regulators … Continued

Big Oil defeats California bill to ban new offshore oil drilling

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Showing the enormous power of the oil industry in California despite the state’s “green” image, every bill except one opposed by the powerful oil industry has failed to make it out of the state legislature this year and during the 2015-2016 session. The … Continued

Delta group says PPIC twin tunnels poll yields ‘bogus’ results

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The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), an organization that has published several pro-Delta Tunnels reports in recent years, in March released their annual survey of “Californians and Their Government” that included a controversial question about the tunnels. Pro-tunnels groups touted the results … Continued

The Revolving Door: WSPA President/Former MLPA Chair Hires Former Assemblyman Henry Perea As Senior V.P.

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The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), the most powerful corporate lobbying group in Sacramento, announced the hiring of former Assemblyman Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno) as Senior Vice President, Policy and Strategic Affairs, on March 27. In Perea’s new role, he will advise … Continued

Former MLPA Chair’s Big Oil Lobbying Group Tops Session Spending

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Western States Petroleum Association Finishes Second in 7th Quarter CA Lobbyist Expenses The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) usually captures the top spot in the quarterly lobbying expenses listed on the California Secretary of State’s website, but Tom Steyer’s Next Generation … Continued

Fish and Game Commission Adopts Marine Protected Area Master Plan – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

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The California Fish and Game Commission on Wednesday, August 24, adopted the controversial Master Plan for Marine Protected Areas in California that delays regional scientific reviews of MPAs, as originally promised, from every five years to every ten years. After … Continued