Environment

"It’s unfortunate it took one of the worst ecological disasters in U.S. history for Governor Schwarzenegger to come to his senses, but today, friends of California’s coastline can breathe a sigh of relief. For the time being, there will be no new offshore oil drilling off the coast of Santa Barbara, and that means the oil companies salivating for new drilling will have to look elsewhere for evidence of the Golden State’s willingness to sell its coast to the highest bidder."

"Sadly, the people of the Gulf Coast are now learning what offshore oil drilling reaps: the destruction of natural preserves, the ruination of coastlines, and the disruption of ocean-based economies," said Congressman Garamendi. "This marks a turning point in our national discussion on new offshore oil drilling. Those calling for 'drill, baby, drill' need to start including the corollary, 'spill, baby, spill'."

"Livermore’s National Ignition Facility may be on the cusp of developing the next great clean energy advance: fusion power," Congressman Garamendi said. "As their research brings us closer to a fusion powered future, we must prepare for the commercial development of this technology. Our amendment makes sure that once fusion technology is harnessed, we will put it to work creating clean energy and green jobs as soon as possible."

"This Earth Day, it’s worth remembering that job creation and environmental protection go hand-in-hand," said Congressman Garamendi. "The economic consequences of inaction on climate change could cripple our economy, yet with sound investments in clean technology and energy efficiency, we are capable of creating millions of jobs while leaving our grandchildren a greener, more hopeful future."

"For more than four decades, a large majority of local, state, and federal California officials have presented a near-united front against new offshore oil drilling, and it is this impressive show of force, along with the federal moratoriums, that has protected our coast for so long," Garamendi added. "If we are going to guarantee that our grandchildren inherit the same beautiful coast that has helped draw so many Californians to call our state home, we cannot allow any cracks to form in our resolute opposition to new offshore oil drilling."