Thank you to everyone who made it to Bakersfield on Monday to #StandWithKern! We know that many of you missed work, woke up in the wee hours of the morning, traveled long distances, and came face to face with intense industry opposition – and we appreciate it.
It was AMAZING to see all the diverse support that came to stand behind Kern residents. With almost 200 people in attendance, we sent a strong signal to the industry and its supporters. They know they are being watched in a new way, and Kern residents felt the strength and support of this beautiful movement.
Not unexpectedly, the Board of Supervisors
voted unanimously to approve the zoning ordinance to fast-track oil permitting in the County. But, despite this outcome, we were successful in showing that the other side in this debate is strong, united and growing by the day.
The
local coverage of our action has been respectful and balanced - a sign that we're gaining traction and power. There's much more to come and together we will turn the tide in favor of justice.
Next up will be to put the pressure on Governor Brown as he packs his bags for the UN Climate Conference in Paris. You can let Governor Brown know you want him to #StandWithKern and take meaningful action to stop extraction in California by answering CRPE Assistant Director Lupe Martinez's call to continue the #NoFrackFast that started on November 4th.
We'll be in touch soon with how you can get involved.
Thanks again and be sure to check out the
photos and
tweets from Monday!
ORALE.
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For too long, communities in Kern County have disproportionately borne the brunt of California’s oil and fracking agenda.
Over 75% of the state’s oil production and 95% of its fracking happens in Kern – making it the highest oil-producing county in the U.S. These operations have had profoundly negative effects on the surrounding communities and will continue to worsen the drought and exacerbate climate change.
More than 290,000 residents in Kern County live within one mile of an oil or gas well – most of whom are people of color that are already without clean water or clean air.
To make matters worse, the Board of Supervisors is proposing a new industry zoning ordinance to fast track new oil drilling for the next 25 years. The ordinance promotes fracking and drilling at the expense of community health, safe food, agricultural jobs and the environment.
The residents of Kern County are joining together to oppose the ordinance and they’re asking people from around the state to stand with them as they take a stand against Big Oil in partnership with The Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment.
Residents have collected thousands of petitions and are delivering them to the Board of Supervisors daily. Now they’re asking us to join in solidarity at the upcoming Public Hearing on Monday, November 9.
Support the residents of Kern County as they stand up to Big Oil.
What: Public Hearing before the Kern County Board of Supervisors
When: Monday, November 9 at 9:00am (Plan to arrive by 7:30am)
Where: 1115 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301
Your presence will send a strong signal to the oil industry and local officials that California is watching and that we oppose the harmful expansion of oil and gas drilling.
Look forward to seeing you there!
