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A devastating oil spill off of our coast in 1969 gave birth to the first Earth Day. Nearly half a century later, Californians remain committed to protecting our environment. As we begin our Earth Day celebrations, I wanted to share an update of my work in the Capitol to move our state toward a greener future.
Blocking Federal Offshore Drilling Expansion: Following the Trump Administration’s proposal to expand oil drilling off the California coast, I introduced SB 834 to block new federal oil drilling in state waters. SB 834 ensures that pipelines and other infrastructure needed to support new federal oil development cannot be built in California waters. The bill passed its first committee this week.
Rush-Hour Train for South Coast Commuters: After years of hard work, I am proud to announce that the commuter-timed South Coast train is finally here! While there were a few delays in the first week, the glitches have been worked out and the train is running smoothly. Providing an alternative for commuters will reduce freeway gridlock and greenhouse gas emissions and build a more vibrant, regional economy.
Coastal Well Clean Up: My Senate Bill 44, which directed the California State Lands Commission to monitor and plug “orphaned” oil wells in state waters, went into effect this year! The long-leaking Becker Oil Well was finally capped in March and the State Lands Commission is surveying additional wells off the Summerland coast.
Clean Water: I am working on legislation to help create a statewide drug take-back program, so unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs stay out of our water supply. Senate Bill 212 will ensure there are accessible and secure drug take-back bins throughout the state.
What do you think our priorities should be for ensuring a greener California? I’d love to hear from you. I hope you will also stay in touch by Facebook and Twitter.
Sincerely,
Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson
State Senator, 19th Senate District