Governor Brown issues executive order to speed Refugio oil spill recovery efforts
As federal, state, and local agencies continue working to minimize and mitigate the effects of the Refugio oil spill, Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday issued an executive order to further expedite recovery efforts and help ensure the natural environment is restored, beaches are reopened and economic impacts are minimized. The governor’s order directs state agencies Read More →
Carbon tax right policy for Tri-Counties
By Mike McEachen As a frequent visitor to Refugio Beach, I was saddened by the oil that spewed out of the underground pipeline operated by Plains All American Pipeline and fouled our beach and coastline. My family and friends had to cancel our annual Memorial Weekend Refugio Beach campout that we made reservations for six Read More →
Investors can decide not to put money into companies that damage environment
By Brad Stark and Kieran Osborne The pipeline breakage near Refugio State Beach is not only devastating to our environment and harmful to life on the Central Coast, but it also brings attention to how the oil industry is supported with investment dollars. The public relations battle with fossil fuels has been heating up for Read More →
Beach closures take toll on Santa Barbara County businesses
The oil spill near Refugio State Beach dealt a financial blow to a handful of businesses with more revenue being lost every day. Although the total impact on Santa Barbara’s $1 billion tourism industry is likely to be offset by increased hotel stays by cleanup crews, there was no sign of relief for those directly Read More →
Oil pipeline owners may face more than fines for Santa Barbara County spill
California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris on Friday said her office is actively working with the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s office and state and federal agencies to investigate the incident.
Refugio oil spill raises important questions for South Coast
The estimated 105,000-gallon oil spill that will ruin Memorial Day for thousands of visitors to Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County is a reminder of how much environmental issues have become economic stories. Santa Barbara County is so heavily dependent on hotel-related taxes that it literally can’t afford the kind of environmental disaster that Read More →
