Television welcome to this
week's County Board of
supervisors meeting originating
from the county administrative
center located at eleven
fifteen Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield California. Keene
customer center county
government designed to garner
the confidence support trusted
the people we serve today's
current County Board of
supervisors meeting will
convene momentarily. Okay show
time for to reconvene madam
clerk would you please call the
roll supervisor Gleason
graduations Ellis you.
Supervisor Scrivner supervisor
Maggard what a second. Here
supervisor couches supervisor
press can you beat that I can.
Present and accounted for the
question is who's not here.
Good afternoon- Kern county
welcome and to the members of
the governor's team thank you
so much for being here you are
welcome to Kern and we have so
much to share with you. Thank
you for being here. What we
begin I want and so we have an
interpreter available for
anyone in the audience
requiring. Translation of these
proceedings from English to
Spanish Mr Fernando Lopez he's
making his way down please come
down to the podium. We can
determine if your services are
required this afternoon there
are lots of people here today
out in the overflow and in the
third floor. There is audio.
Available so I assume that
those folks can hear what's
being said here but Fernando
perhaps you could make your way
out there and major services
known. To the public. Thank you
Mister Lopez he developed
anyway according interpreter.
To address the board during the
public comment portion of this
meeting. Shekinah persona Kanab
lying glass on Hispaniola
thrust and I miss I miss all
the fun of spiders canonical SO
Lamont Espana on. Thank you for
and. County council we please
report on action taken such a
mess Raison. Thank you good
afternoon madam chair members
of the board this morning your
board met in closed session on
items twenty three twenty four
and twenty five however there
is no reportable action. Thank
you restaurants agendas for
today's meetings are located on
the tables in the back of the
chamber for anyone wishing to
fllow up on we'll begin by
considering considering the
consent agenda all items listed
with the C. A. for consent
agenda are considered to be
routine. And non conscious by
county staff consent will be
considered first and may be
approved by one motion if no
member of the board of public
wishes to comment or questions
if a member of the audience
wishes to comment or ask is
regarding him or I'd on the-
that agenda they made so proud.
Of being taken on the center
gender a member of the board
may remove any item from the
consent agenda any will be
considered in its listed
numerical sequence with an
opportunity for any member of
the public to address the board
concerning. The item before
action is taken
. Thank you
consent agenda items begin on
page two. And they include
items four through six on page
three item seven through nine.
Page for items ten to fifteen.
On page five item sixteen and
items eighteen through twenty
three with the exception of
item twenty two which has been
withdrawn by the department and
will not be considered at this
time. Three twenty seven. Are
there any members of the public
who would like to and twenty
thank you can. Twenty eight to
thirty one other members f the
public that would like to
comment on a consent agenda
item. Okay seeing none a return
to the board for action. Now
I'm sure I'll make a motion to
approve the consent agenda and
to- the journey is the board of
supervisors and reconvene as a
fourth. City tap tied
sanitation district second.
Where motion second please cast
your vote strippers can you
just clarify to I wanna make
certain item number twenty two
is no longer under
consideration today that's
correct it's been withdrawn.
Thank you thank you. Motion is
approved all eyes AT the board
is now sitting at the current
sanitation authority and will
consider the KSA consent agenda
under the consent agenda we
have one item item C. dash one
are there any members of the
public with the authority that
would like to pull the item.
Off consent. Smart I will
entertain a motion to approve
the consent agenda and to join
as current sanitation authority
and reconvene. Is that right.
For city tap heights and
reconvene as the current County
Board of supervisors madam
court is that correct. Yes it's
the Ford city to have tied
sanitation district thank you
some of CEQA. We have a motion
a second please cast your votes.
Is me the motion is approved
all eyes thank you due to the
presumption that several
members of the public are here
to speak on item seventeen. And
we have state officials here
from Sacramento I would like to
move items to public
presentation an item three
which is board member
announcements. To the end of
today's agenda. So noted. A
thank you. Okay we're gonna
move then to the reason we're
all here which is item number
seventeen response to the
December ten twenty nineteen
board referral regarding state
policy and actions on oil and
gas permitting and requesting
presentations from state
officials oil industry
representatives and general
public on the economic impacts
to the local. Oil and gas
industry. Mister John Lifquist.
If you can make your way to the
podium please I understand you
have a brief presentation.
Regarding money. Thank you
madam chair. Members of the
board and distinguished guests
it's an honor to be here can
you state your name Sir. John
Lifquist current county
assessor recorder. So I know
that one of the quickest ways
to make people's eyes glaze
over is to start citing
specifics. I have a few numbers
and statistics all keep it
brief. Assessed values don't
necessarily reflect total
economic impact of a given
industry business or industry.
That said curry county
possesses the vast majority of
California's oil and gas
reserves. Oil and gas have been
a vital. They have been vital
to Kerr counties economy and
tax base. Through most of our
county's history. As an example
the two thousand fourteen
decline in oil prices sent oil
assessments plummeting and over
the next two years the current
local assessment roll declined
over 13% Six two since two
thousand sixteen we've seen oil
prices partially recover in
growth in other areas of the
economy has stabilized our our
our excuse me our assessment
roll. But we're far short of
where we should be. From two
thousand fourteen to two
thousand nineteen California
counties have seen a 33%
increase in local assessed
values. Averaging 20% overall.
The seven county sharing a
border with Kern averaged a 27%
increase and the fourteen other
valley counties. Averaged
twenty nine percent. Over the
same period despite an
increasing population and new
economic investment in the
county. Kern saw point 3%
increase in local assessments.
That's nine parts nine point 6%
less than any other county in
the state. So we've been dead
last. Far and away the last. A
week or fail or falling
assessment roll means limited
tax revenue. And over the past
six years Kern county taxpayers
have had to deal with cuts to
road. Maintenance government
services public safety and
education. Extraction
industries different from most
type of commercial enterprise
and in that maximize
utilization of the resource
requires new construction for
almost the entire economic life
of the reserve. Lack of new
construction shortens the
economic life of the field
lessening calculated reserves
in there for the market value
of the use of at the assessed.
Market value and the assessed
value. Additionally a shorter
life means that field
abandonment Koss loom closer.
In many instances eclipsing the
value of the profitable oil or
gas left in the ground. Lack of
new oil field construction will
ultimately shorten the life of
current oil fields and reduce
the value of one of Kern's most
valuable resources. Covering
our economy hobbling local
government and limiting
government services endangering
our population and negativity
negatively impacting Kern
schools and the current county
taxpayer. Any questions. As my
colleague Michael it's seventy
questions or with the state
represent have any questions
with with. Okay John a I assume
you'll be around available we
may have questions for you
later hello thank you very much.
Gonna take some time now to
hear from our oil industry
trade associations. And first
up is Jerry Torre Devo I hope
I'm saying that correctly from
chevron. Who is present and
ready to. Address this body and
the public. Welcome we're happy
to have you if you could please
just a microphone so we can
hear you and please state your
name for the record. Yes Jerry
toward evil out because there.
Good afternoon madam chair
members of the board and county
staff. Thank you for the
opportunity to speak. My name
is Gerry party well because
they're like I stated and I'm
chevrons general manager of
operations. For the San Joaquin
Valley business unit based
right here in Kern county. More
importantly I'm a wife a mother
of two small children and a
member of this community. Kern
county is my home. I'm also the
proud daughter of a coal miner.
Growing up on the east coast it
was my father's job to put food
on the table and gave me
opportunities in life that he
never had. This is what chevron
our industry does for so many
children. And families here in
Kern county for well over a
century. In the valley chevron
is home to myself and a hundred
other employees whose
livelihoods depend on these
jobs. Not to mention the
thousands of contractors who
are in our work force. Our
success is driven by our most
valuable resource our people.
And their commitment to achieve
results the right way by
operating safely and reliably.
We take pride in what we do and
consider what we do important
human progress we help deliver
approximately 25% of the
state's total daily oil
production a 100% of the oil
produced by chevron in
California is refined here in
California. Why would we want
to import something that we
have in our own backyard. And
from foreign sources like
Ecuador in Saudi Arabia they do
not have the environmental
regulations and standards we do
here in California. Not only
are we leveraging our natural
resources. But we are doing so
well helping our communities
prosper. In twenty eighteen
alone chevron contributed
nearly four hundred million
dollars to turn current
county's economy in taxes and
spend with local suppliers.
Further to our local community
engagement we support programs
in the community to make a
positive difference in the
areas of education basic human
needs economic development and
civic engagement. In just the
last two years chevron has
contributed more than six
million dollars to local non
profits and community
organizations here in Kern
county. So why does this
matter. It matters because i
helps sustain organizations
like the Bakersfield police
activities league which serves
over six hundred of our youth.
Also Taft college transitioned
independent living program
which helps adults with
developmental disabilities
integrate into the workplace in
social settings. And there are
hundreds more of examples. Of
the positive impacts our
community partners are making
on the lives of thousands of
residents in this county and
beyond. And this is thanks to
our industry. We do understand
communities have expectations
and concerns around the
development of oil and gas. In
that regard we support a
blanced fact based dialogue to
address those concerns. However
we do not believe that
eliminating the development of
fossil fuels in this state is
the answer until there is a
clear path. To economically
transition to cleaner energy
sources. Until then let's in
shore we don't impact our
communities. I believe that
economic growth requires a
level of certainty. We need
stable and predictable
regulatory execution. Proper
engagement throughout the rule
making process one able
regulations to provide the
value and help achieve the
state schools well providing
the necessary certainty the
business and communities need
to thrive. I've told you why
this is important our
communities and I want to tell
you why it's important to me
personally. I stand before you
today because of the
opportunities the industry is
given. I'm the first person in
my family to graduate from
college. And did so by paying
for it myself congrats. Thank
you- it was through industry it
summer internships every year I
could afford to return to
school. Room and board and
tuition and ultimately graduate.
I want the same opportunities
for our children right here in
Kern county. And the path we're
talking about today is not the
right way for us to achieve
what I truly believe we all
want. And that's a better life
for us and our families. Thank
you again to the board of
supervisors for calling today's
meeting and giving us the
opportunity to speak. We look
forward to working
collaboratively with the county
of Kern. The state of
California and its agencies to
ensure we can all continue to
thrive thank you. Okay. So my-
my clerk is asking if we could
please hold the applause until
the and we have a lot of
speakers- and also if you could
please remain. Keep the aisles
of the doorways clean and safe
please thank you from era
energy president and CEO
Christina system. Thank you
madam chairwoman for as and
members of the current County
Board of supervisors the
opportunity to speak to you
today. About what's happening
in the oil and gas industry
here in Kern county and across
the state of California. My
name is Christina Sisteron C.
H. R. I. S. T. I. N. Anne S. I.
S. T. R. U. N. K. and as the
president and CEO of era energy
hello oil and gas producer. I
have the honor of representing
about eleven hundred employees.
Who work for this company and
thousands more. Who are
contract partners with us to
provide the energy that we use
every day across the state. But
more importantly I get to call
these people neighbors friends
and family. We're a California
company. And I wanna make sure
you understand that we are
raising our families here in
some cases some of my
colleagues have the privilege
of raising grandchildren here.
And so we have a vested
interest in the health and
welfare of this community. As I
stand before you this really
isn't about me or even about
our company era. This is about
the twenty four thousand men
and women in Kern county. Whose
careers are being impacted by
an uncertain regulatory
environment in the state of
California. We're. Experiencing
a level of uncertainty in our
regulatory environment. That is
like no other time I can
remember. And this is certainty
and lack of formats has already
led era to drop one drilling
rig from its twenty twenty
drilling schedule because- and
because of that we need
approximately ninety fewer
contract partners
interoperation today. Versus
what we had at the end of last
year. And if this uncertainty
continues there's likely to be
a ripple effect throughout Kern
county. And the rest of the
state and I could create losses
of up many direct and indirect
jobs and the loss of up to a
hundred fifty billion dollars
in economic and impact. I don't
believe that this is the
governor's direct intention.
But if the current situation
continues unabated this will be
the end results regardless.
Well I do have frustration with
the current regulatory
challenges and lack of permits
to allow us to continue to
safely and responsibly produced
the oil needed to meet the
state's demand. I want to
highlight this does not mean
that we don't support our
state's leadership on the
renewable energy goals.
California has some of the most
aggressive climate goals in the
world and I believe that it's
critically important to
acknowledge the vital role the
oil and gas will play. During
the state's energy transition
and likely even beyond to
technologies like carbon
capture and storage. Like the
department of conservation we
understand there needs to be a
balance between today's
challenges tomorrow's needs and
a vision for clean energy
future. Today much of the
public discourse around energy
is dominated by a negative bias
and misinformation unlike you
we've seen the headlines and
heard the calls to immediately
and oil and gas production in
California. We don't think that
can happen anytime soon and
believed to do so would be
you're responsible. Removing
California's oil and gas
production from the equation
does nothing. To change the
state's energy demands and
here's why. How to carbon use
is still growing despite 30% of
the energy grid running on
renewables every year well
ahead of the twenty twenty
goals set by the state. Vehicle
miles driven are still
increasing. And there are more
than twenty six million
registered automobiles in the
state of California more than
any other state. And after a
decade of intense effort
including subsidies to
encourage people to switch to
electric vehicles. Only about
seven hundred thousand of those
vehicles on the road today our
electric. 70% of California's
oil that we require to maintain
our quality of life comes from
imports. And increasingly those
imports are coming from Iraq
and Saudi Arabia. That doesn't
make sense to ship a key source
of California's income and
jobs. To countries that don't
it here to our high safety
environmental and human rights
standards. And importing oil
from overseas only increases
the global carbon emissions
because of the carbon intensity
of the tankers bringing that
oil into California. And lastly
the outcry over greenhouse
gases often points to
California generated emissions.
Yeah California with the
world's fifth largest economy
is responsible for about 1% of
global greenhouse gases and
according to carb this is
trending downward. There are
much greater- sources of
greenhouse gas emissions
elsewhere. Era and California's
oil and gas sector are uniquely
positioned to help lead the
state through its clean energy
transition achieving a carbon
neutral position is our
aspiration. And we're actively
engaged in identifying and
pursuing new technologies to
continue reducing our
greenhouse gas emissions. It's
something else is needed.
California needs a wider level
of engagement to create plans
the can deliver for its
citizens and reflects science
based analysis we cannot have a
few academics and elected
officials alone determining our
long term energy policy.
Businesses government and
community leaders must work
together to reach a shared goal
of a clean energy future that
we can actually deliver. You
know when you step back and
take a look at how this whole
period of uncertainty began we
can point to the false
information about the number of
fracking- permits being issued
and how much fracking that's
taking place across the state.
And the number of permits that
have been issued. As a matter
of fact all the allegations
about fracking by those who
want to immediately shut down
the industry are fraught with
inaccuracies. And sometimes
missed mistruths. The fact is
hydraulic fracturing has been
taking place in California
since the nineteen fifties. And
there's no evidence to date of
negative impacts to drinking
water. Air for neighbors health
around the oil fields where it
occurs. In my experience
solving complex problems
requires creating a play a plan
that includes multiple pathways
for success. Because all of
them probably aren't going to
work out quite like we thought
they would. There's a big
difference for setting goals
and delivering actual results.
The oil and gas industry has
accomplished both over time we
have broad experience in
working collaboratively with
community and we have taken on
difficult technical challenges
and found solutions we have a
proven track record of safety
and environmental improvements.
And innovation is part of our
strategy and current policies
like cap and trade actually
pgive
to do just that and solve this
problem. Recent example right
here at home show how error in
the industry been willing to
partner with the state to find
solutions that balance the
state's goals with public
health and safety and the
sustainability of the industry.
I'm talking about the eighty
six seventeen program and the
snaps community air monitoring
programs. In response to claims
that lost hills was the
epicenter of oil and gas
pollution that was ruining the
health of the residents in that
community. The state responded
by placing twenty four seven
state of the art care
monitoring technologies in that
community for more than six
months. Under the studies of
neighborhood air near petroleum
sources also known as snaps.
That monitoring took place next
to one of our largest oil and
gas fields during drilling.
Hydraulic fracturing an ongoing
production. They measured for a
hundred and thirty five
chemicals each week. An essay
published a report in October
the only ten chemicals were
detected and not a single one
of those chemicals was above
acute health thresholds. We
applaud this study it's a great
win for the community and the
residents of Los tells. Similar
to snaps the state in the
industry listen to concerns
from residents about the air
quality. Particularly in the
valley and implemented AB six
seventeen which requires the
California air resources board
to develop a monitoring plan
for the state and then select
the highest priority locations
to deploy community air
monitoring systems. The city of
Shafter was selected. For study
once again the data from the
air monitoring show the oil and
gas was not a significant
pollute. The data will allow
the committee to implement
solutions and controls around
the true sources of the
pollution that most make a
difference for the community of
Shafter. What we as a company
in an industry have a history
of partnership and support of
regulations the current
administration's chosen to
treat our industry
disproportionately. And our
county as well and they are
working to fix something that
actually wasn't broken it's
also important recognize that
no one solution fits all
especially in a state as large
as California. What works in
the bay area with its dense
population and access to public
transportation is unlikely to
succeed in sprawling Los
Angeles. Which heavily relies
on automobiles and likewise
different solutions are going
to be required in Kern county
in the Central Valley with our
lower population density higher
poverty rates less economic
mobility and greater distances
between business education.
Medical services and community
services is essential for the
oil and gas industry to
continue to be at the table as
California addresses the
challenge of reducing the
state's carbon footprint while
preserving the health of our
economy. And the health of our
community we need a viable
mechanism and that is lacking
today. I calling you to Richard
quest the California
legislature and the state
officials to include the oil
and gas industry in their
discussions of policy building
plans. Encouraging them to tap
into our expertise and
experience. I thank you for the
opportunity to address you
today with these concerns
please hold your applause thank
you Kristin very nice to see
you thank you that certainly
deserves an a plus but we're
going to keep having. A
Christie thank you so much.
Transmissible trillion
president and CEO. And I
believe maybe jointly make
itself pparent control and
vice president government
regulatory affairs or however
you see fit Sir welcome. Thank
you very much and good
afternoon madam chair and
members of the board my name is
trend Smith- T. R. E. M. S. M.
I. T. H. I was told the spell
it. So I'm the CEO and chairman
of the board of berry
patrolling- and first I'd like
to thank you for the
opportunity to speak here today
on behalf of berry and the oil
and gas industry in Kern
county. We appreciate your
interest in the success of
local businesses. And the well
being of this community. Very
is an independent publicly
traded energy company. Devoted
to California and its future.
Very directly employs more than
three hundred and thirty people
in Kern county and they all
have families. And currently we
contribute over eleven million
dollars in prop annual property
taxes so that doesn't include
all the other services the we
contribute to the county. Perry
has roots in Kern county that
reach back to nineteen oh nine.
And we are proud to be part of
the community. I'm here today.
Because the November nineteenth
announcement from the
department of conservation
created great uncertainty for
industry and bury in particular
as the visual that we provided
shows within the forty eight
hours following the governor's
announcement. Very lost three
hundred and fifty four million
dollars in market value for
nearly 40% of our stock. The
impact of this most recent
effort by the governor as well
as his ongoing efforts to
stifle the industry will have a
long lasting negative impact on
all of us including Kern county.
At this point I'd like to
introduce- Megan Silva berries
vice president of corporate
affairs Megan has been in the
industry for sixteen years and
has been intimately involved
environmental fairs and
permitting for the last five.
Thank you for your time. Good
afternoon members of the board
my name is Megan Silva M. E. G.
A. N. S. I. L. V. a- a trim
mentioned berry was
significantly impacted by the
November nineteenth
announcement by the department
of conservation. This loss in
value for our business and our
assets has serious implications
for current county which relies
on companies like fairy for tax
revenue. This announcement has
also made it increasingly
difficult for berry and other
operators to plan our business.
Well the initial announcement
was released on November
nineteenth operators did not
receive clarification and
technical direction until
January seventh. This is just
one example of what the
industry has been facing over
the past five years. Since
twenty fifteen there've been
extensive regulatory changes
including SP four well star
pipeline management regulations
the aquifer exemption process
project reviews underground
injection control regulations
as well as idle while
regulations just to name a few.
The industry has seen their
assessment rates significantly
rice to find cal jams budget
increases for I. T.
modernization well star. And
additional staff. This year is
no different as the agency is
asking for a hundred and twenty
eight new positions. We the
industry have worked tirelessly
to incorporate all the new
requirements to comply. And it
provided extensive amounts of
time information and data to
assist multiple agencies
including cal jam carb DTS see
and the state and regional
water boards. All of these
studies accompaniedthe new
regulations what we've seen out
of all of this our increased
fees permitting delays and a
large amount of uncertainty on
when permits will be approved.
We cannot continue to run our
business in this manner. In
addition to these impacts the
new oil and gas initiatives are
likely to cost jobs. The
Bakersfield Californian
recently reported approximately
ninety jobs that were cut due
to reduced drilling and this is
just the beginning. Berry is
deeply concerned that many
policy makers in Sacramento may
not fully appreciate the
impacts of this announcement on
Kern county or the importance
of companies light airy. That
provide locally and responsibly
sourced oil and natural gas to
California and how the desire
to grow in California
specifically in Kern county
under reasonable economic
conditions. As you know or
maybe most of you have heard
the oil and gas industry is an
important part of economic
prosperity in Kern county. Our
industry industry provides good
high paying jobs with
unprecedented upward mobility.
Our industry also provide
significant tax revenues that
are vital for this county and
very sensual public services.
These revenues are in jeopardy
based on Sacramento's continued
attacks. However I feel
compelled to remind the current
administration that Kern county
is also one of the only options
for ethically sourced oil and
natural gas and is critically
important to California's
energy independence. California
currently consumes forty three
million gallons of gasoline
thirteen million gallons of
diesel fuel and ten million
gallons of jet fuel every
single day. The vast majority
of this is imported from
foreign sources only 30% of
what we onsume is produced
here in California and most of
it is produced right here in
Kern county. Our policy makers
must understand that Kern
county and the companies like
berry are all that stand
between California an almost
complete dependence on foreign
oil. Oil that is shipped across
fragile ocean ecosystems from
countries that repress women
murder and imprison people from
LGBTQ communities and that have
no- no where near the best
practices California has for
environmental protection. As
Californians we cannot call
ourselves the global leaders
and environmental protector
protection and social justice
while we continue to practice
while we continue the practice
of outsourcing the
environmental and social costs
to our lifestyles. We must do
better. And in Kern county
that's what we do every single
day we produce locally and
responsibly sourced energy
under the most comprehensive
environmental regulations in
the world. And we do what while
providing critically important
economic benefits to this
region. Governor new some
elected officials in Sacramento
need to understand that
decisions they make have
significant impacts on the
people and families in this
community. And we need
Sacramento to take the
necessary steps to support
responsible local oil and gas
production rather than
exporting the economic benefits
to foreign countries that have
no where near the environmental
or human rights protections
that California house. Berry is
committed to Kern county NC
California we look forward to
working with our incredible
county leaders this board the
department of conservation and
our representatives in
Sacramento to forge the path
toward a more sustainable and
secure energy future. Thank you
for your time. Okay please
thank you we're moving is it
Ernie ball my saying that right
unable. Anita thank you your
clarified the microphone thank
you Arriva Arriva. Thank you
very much welcome California
resources come- corporation
thank you at so good afternoon-
Jr Wimperis and supervisors and
of course representatives from
the department of conservation.
Hi my name is anyone ever idea
well I need well yeah A. R. A.
Y. a- N. name thank you I'm a
resident from Bakersfield I
have a two boys that are easier
I- I'm a second generation- the
oil and gas worker my father
was a knowing us industry. I'm
an immigrant so I'm not you
know originally from the United
States- but I'm also the vice
president of capital execution
for California researchers
corporation RC RC. So I am here
to did you know talk a little
about but seriously does and-
you know a little bit how some
of the new things have come
across are affecting us so.
Sears sees a publicly traded
oil and natural gas company
that operates exclusively in
California C. R. C.'s work
force of over four thousand
employees and contractors
operates world class assets you
know base of a hundred thirty
fields save responsibly
supplying a portable and
reliable energy for California.
By Californians I'm proud to
leave Sears is active really
work or in construction program
and drilling would pass a
drilling rigs run today seven
of them actually running here
in. Town. So I'm here today on
behalf of my family my
coworkers my community. To
highlight the essential
environmental economic
employment and social benefits
of the local production of safe
affordable and reliable energy
and to ashe state agencies. To
partner with current county to
reverse California's risky and
unnecessary dependence on
imported energy at a time of
heightened international tour
more. Ever increasing
regulations are current
county's primary employer the
oil and gas industry have led
to do need decrease investments
in crane county and greater
dependence on foreign imports.
California is currently
dependent on energy imports for
over 70% of our crude. Oildale
manned and 90% of natural gas
and even 30% of our electricity
all from places that don't
apply California's leading
safety labor human rights. And
environmental standards in
recent years our dependence on
imported oil has grown
significantly. So what does
this mean for Californians
every barrel not parties in
this state is actually made up
by supertankers they're coming
in from Saudi Arabia and other
countries like about. When
considering cost of living
including taxes housing and
medical costs California has
the highest poverty rate in the
entire nation. And the third
highest rate of homelessness.
We also have the highest
average gasoline prices in
continental United States. In
stark contrast to the coast
Central Valley in other inland
residents are faced with the
highest energy costs in
California. The valley has the
highest number of participants
in the California alternate
rates for energy and family
electric rate assistant
programs. The state's energy
policies regulation and
mandates have only exacerbated
the high price of energy. This
is felt most by the residents
in the inland areas of
California whose energy bills
of course skyrocket during the
summer months and winter
months. Kern county has
protected Californians from
being hopelessly dependent on
imported energy. Sadly with
litter or no help or
recognition from Sacramento. In
light of recent events from
utility power outages to the
Middle East from all Kern
county has literally save
California from another self
inflicted major energy crisis.
Kern county is the key to the
governor's plans and California
future Kern county is unique in
serving as California's leading
supplier of food and energy for
the state. Kern county is truly
the all of the above energy
champion promoting oil natural
gas and renewable energy and
infrastructure the powers are
state. Through thoughtful local
regulation current county
supervisors and planning
director have welcomed private
investments my C. R. C. and
other local energy producers
that have enabled the state to
meet its ambitious energy
environmental mandates. If we
want to achieve a more
inclusive and sustainable
society current counties
diverse reliable local energy
supply should serve as a model
for the administration and the
entire state. Despite the
tremendous oil in place at
current county feels have and
the counties of fission
permitting process. Kern county
has dropped from being the
number two country in the U. S.
for all production county just
give me. Number two county in
the US for all production to
number six and just three
years. Our state also has
similarly drop from being the
third largest oil and gas
producer to the six. Saudi
Arabia Iraq and Kuwait have
glad to replace local
production with California
consumers sending twenty five
billion dollars a year out of
state to import crude oil.
State policies that apply
unpredictable and constantly
changing permitting process
sees with multiple overlapping
agencies are the key reason for
the drop in local or production.
Some service companies and
producer have already left.
Sending much needed jobs in tax
revenues out of the state while
working California's and
disadvantaged communities
throughout have suffered. Your
agencies and administration
have the power but more
importantly the obligation to
reserve to reverse this
unsustainable trend. Three
county and local energy
producers are doing our part to
reduce California's chronic
dependence on imported energy
local oil and gas operators
have work with all state and
local agencies to implement and
adhere to California's
comprehensive regulatory
programs which have expanded
significantly over the fast
past five years. So I'd like to
provide some examples first
from C. R. C. on worker in
counties approach to
encouraging investment means
for innovation and
sustainability. CRC in our
predecessor. Have invested over
thirteen billion dollars in
Kern county in the past two
decades and adopted technology
a leading practices to
safeguard people and the
environment. We have reduced
emissions even beyond those
mandated by California's and
current county's leading
regulations. Everything in
California all fields of course
starts with safety and in two
thousand nineteen our work
first achieve the best safety
record in the long history of
our field operations. With zero
employee injuries for well over
a year and a safety rate of
combined workforce that is
better than stockbrokers radio
broadcasters an actual
insurance agents. We're better
than all those and we are. So
in addition to serving as
California's largest oil and
natural gas producer where net
supply of electricity to the
grade and Annette water
supplier to ag seriously has
facilitated six hundred forty
megawatts of plan or operating
solar projects. Through service
use agreements that provide
solar developers the large
surface footprint they need
while reserving drilling pass
to access our minerals. When we
acquired- kills from the US
government and they're recycle
or reuse any produce water. As
a matter of fact today we
recycle 64% of our produce
water at all kills directly
into our operations. We set
aside eight thousand acre
habitat conservation area and
obtained a fifty year state
permit to expand that to twenty
five thousand acres a full
field of all men. Our flagship
feels that- kills in Kern
county for and confronts pardon
me already have lower carbon
intensity than Saudi crude.
That the state uses to import.
And we're also implementing
twenty thirty sustainability
goals for water recycling
renewables integration methane
emission reduction in carbon
capture and sequestration.
Which aligned with the stables.
Foreign all producers and I
share California values and
ignore safety labor human
rights and environmental
standards. It is time for the
administration state agencies
and the legislature to stand
with the working people of
current county to stop
promoting foreign energy
imports and delegating the
state's environmental
stewardship. To foreign
countries. The administration
has an opportunity to encourage
reinvestment in Kern county
under California's leading
standards by implementing
predictable regulatory process
season removing needless delays
across numerous state agencies.
Any proposed legislation or
regulation to further increases
dependence on imported energy
would be irresponsible
government. Certainty and
predictability allow for
efficient business planning
which will attract local
investors back to California
and Dr capital investment in
long term energy projects.
Restoring these investment
dollars would sustain an
increase thousands of energy
construction in government
careers. That currently the
state actually you know this
favor the policies that favor
this I'm proud of the safety
and environmental performance
of our all California work
force. We work constructively
with state agencies like the
department of conservation cal
gems to implement California's
comprehensive oil and gas
regulations and remain
committed to doing so. So we
are is the administration.
State agencies and the
legislature to stand with
current county and the working
men and women of the Central
Valley we ask that you help us
make California more self
sufficient. And assure that
every barrel oil consuming
California meets California
standards. Which I guess is
what been reading regi and let
me members only when a lot of
growth as- thank you very much
for the opportunity here. Well
thank you congratulations on
all of your success thank you.
It's remarkable. Tension and-
what you do for the Central
Valley really hats off to you.
Thank you thank you. Rob
Simmons. You could wait make
your way for. It's good to see
welcome to see thank you madam
chair members of the board and
administration really
appreciate the opportunity to
speak today rocks airman
California depended patrolmen's
association ROC K. A. Z. I. E.
R. M. A. N. yes that is my real
name. It rocks yes thank you.
You know this morning thirty
eight million Californians woke
up and demanded over one point
five million barrels of oil and
they did that yesterday and
they're gonna do that tomorrow
and as you've heard only 30% of
that demand is met by instate
production the other 70% has to
be tankard and from. Foreign
countries. Increasingly that's
from the Middle East with the
number one importing country
being Saudi Arabia a country's
you've heard that does not
share our values when it comes
to human rights. Worker safety
protection of the environment.
And so it's very key that- we
recognize that Intel you reduce
demand. Of our product in the
state of California by 70%
you're gonna need every drop of
oil that we have here in Kern
county now we've heard a lot
from the governor about wanting
a just transition to an
alternative energy future and
we're willing and able to have
that conversation but let me
just say that it's not just. To
make Californians export their
wealth to Saudi Arabia it's not
just to put these folks behind
me out of a job- so that we can
employ people in Iraq it's not
just to curtail the tax base
here in Kern county that pays
for. Police and fire and
sheriff in schools and roads so
that we can into increase
tanker traffic into the port of
Los Angeles the number one
source of air missions in the
LA basin as we found out this
week in the LA times. So that's
not justice and I think if we
want to talk about justice we
should be talking about getting
off of Kern county oil we
should be talking about getting
more reliant on current county
oil and less reliant. On those
are coming. And we can do it
and we want to partner with you
right now on your desk. Or
sixty four projects for my
members representing two
thousand wells were ready to go
drill tomorrow if we get
permission. Unfortunately none
of those projects we've gone
two and a half months without a
single project being approved.
We've gotten months and months
without any offer for
exemptions being approved we've
gone over seven months without
a well stimulation being
approved. And we understand
that there's a lot of pressure
but- we need government to do
their job. And we're ready to
partner with you to do that- we
have supported. Getting
increased revenues to dagr now
cal jam. We are disheartened to
see. The desire for a hundred
twenty eight new positions
especially since those are
people we're gonna be looking
at permits and helping a stay
in business. But they're
primarily enforcement an
inspection and folks looking to
put us out of business and I
think that's the wrong the
wrong Avenue. We've always
stepped up and said we will do
our part we will abide by
future regulations more
increased regulations. Will
help fund because we find a
hundred percent. Of all of your
employees will find more if
that's needed we got a partner
because some of those. A small
portion at least need. To be
looking at this permit backlog
so we can stay in business so
we can produce oil so these but
guys can. Keep their jobs so we
can meet the energy demands of
Californians and stop exporting
our wealth the countries that
don't like us. Thank you. Thank
you rock. Next time you'll tell
us how you really feel. Thank
you rock. Tim Crawford Sentinel
peak resources. Welcome please
state your name and give us
your thoughts are Tim Crawford
C. R. A. W. F. O. R. D. thank
you supervisors for having us
here today to speak on the
importance of the oil industry
to- Kern county and the
California. I'm Tim Crawford-
chief operating officer for
central peak resources. I
personally worked in the Kern
county wool industry for nearly
four decades. Raised are for
kids here- several of them work
in the oil and gas business I
think they're in the audience
today. This is home to us our
company is the largest willing
gas probably held willing gas
producer in the state we employ
two hundred seventy people
directly in the contract with
the least another four to five
hundred. Hard working
Californians each and every
day. And with the six largest
taxpayer in the county. Is
important our state legislators
regulators and you the board. I
understand the impact that the
recent moratorium to pad on our
business and current county's
economy. The recent moratorium
to be impacted our company we
believe disproportionately- we
operate only in the state of
California. Half of our
production and most of our
future development has been
disrupted. Our company alone is
placed on hold hundreds of
millions of dollars. In
investment here in Kern county.
Work we've been performing for
decades safely under the most
stringent environmental
regulations probably on the
planet is not risk. Now we're
all supportive of sensible
regulations the winners
regulations have intent if not
the impact of shutting down all
gas production that's another
story. The recent actions taken
by the state discourage
investment for companies like
mine the place capital
intensive projects projects
that would employ hundreds of
people. On hold it reduces the
amount of taxes the county
local economies collect and it
touches all businesses schools
and county services in short it
harms current candy. I believe
we're blessed to have this
commodity in abundance here in
the state in particular here in
Kern county. It's something
that we should celebrate and
produce and- for the benefit of
all Californians so thank you
thank you for your time really
appreciate it. Tim Steve Layton
of EM be natural resources
president please come down
Steve Steve here. Fabulous.
Thank you and welcome please
state your name for the record
Sir. Thank you madam chairman
and board. I appreciate the
having the opportunity to be
here today to speak my name is
Steve Layton president of E.
and B. natural resources. In in
the interest of time I'm just
going to say- Hey man and all
the good points that have been
made by the others. I'll talk
to a little bit about the N. B.
though he and be is. An
independent oil gas production
company- headquartered in Kern
county. We produce about
fifteen thousand barrels a day
of oil to help meet
California's deed for petroleum.
Our companies combined employee
over four hundred people. The
vast majority of which live and
work in Kern county. Over the
last decade or so Ian B. is
made significant investments in
Kern county- just in the last
couple years we've- we've
invested- over a hundred
million dollars in various
projects throughout the county
which included drilling about
two hundred wells. Starting
construction finishing
construction of our new
corporate headquarters. We've
also constructed a twenty three
megawatt solar project that
will provide renewable power
for our main oil field here in
Kern county- in addition we've
also constructed a five mile
pipeline that not only will
help us bring our oil to market.
But also significantly reduces
the emissions associated with
our operations. I have to say
though with the uncertainty
facing the industry. This
coming year our capital budget
has been significantly reduced.
We'll be ready to go again when
that uncertainty is lifted but
until then- we are going to be
doing nearly as much as we have
in the last few years. That
sid very very grateful to the
board and the leadership shown
in calling this meeting today
because it promotes a dialogue
which is important. Between the
state. Between about what the
state Kern county the oil
industry. And many other
stakeholders that are
interested in oil gas
production in California. We do
support you taking action today
that not only protects our
investments but encourages
future investment. So I hope we
can continue to bring people
together as you have so that
they can be a better
understanding of the industry
and its benefits. To not only
the local economy but also to
the environment. Thank you for
the opportunity to speak to
speak Mr late thank you. Thank
you very much. Is less Clark
here I don't see him am I
missing him he is here. What a
popular guy. Less if you could
make your way down I certainly
would appreciate it and I will
be calling after that GML rod
and John Spaulding so if you
wanted tia and prepare to make
your way down- is certainly
your perspective is so
appreciated and so important so.
Here comes less. Computers of.
I like the dramatic injury.
It's the last. Read Famoso. The.
My name is Wes Clark. Thank you
for. Let me speak to the. The
war less if you don't mind
speak up please are closer to
the microphone. You know I am a
football referee. Killer closer
to the mark. I represent most
of the- a lot of the mom and
pops. Which is a little little
guys and I also have in the
membership. All independence
and amid signs independence and
as you know. Retired. Tired see
also not tired about two two
years ago now. But the mama
pops wanted me to continue on.
Because they could see the
problems and concerns there
were only horizon. And I to
like go laden. Would like to
express my appreciation for
everybody that's. Fact they've
got most all my point so I'll
be brief I'm really here to. I
know that you all know how
important all industrials no
doubt about that I appreciate
you putting this together no
doubt about that but I'm really
concerned about the state.
Person over here and I will be
really interested. And what
they have to say. In a red so
few quotes in a newspaper.
Which are very upsetting to me.
A new gosford charge we're
supposed to be working
together. That was original
charge FOR D. O. G. an industry
to work together. So far over
the last two or three years I
have seen. They got new
leadership sent over we'll see.
On a real job and Xochitl on
the- that's your responsibility
to work together with us. And
I'm specifically concerned
about. A B. R. ten fifty seven.
You people know that we do not
qualify for Bonnie. And sold as
lemon or lime and whatever name
is the author of the bill she
knows that too so what you're
affected we have done. Is put
us out of business within a
year or two that's effectively
what's going to take place. I
had members out there in the
audience one- could get in here
the wanted to tell. Tell the
story. He can make it in here
why less because you can get in
well we're going to be rotating
folks out we start doing public
comment so they will get a
chance to be heard I promise
well we'll see. Still after his
PO number one so with service
here. So that I can speak for
million maybe I can. But my
problem is it back to the
states. You know what bothers
me you I know was the state is
going to be well it's a law was
passed the bills passed. So we
have no choice yes you have
choices. Because over the past
three or four years bills have
been passed in the time we get
down here and we all agree on
the bill we're working
together. Guess what. Because
of your guns the bills a lot
more restrictive laws a lot
more restrictive we've actually
had to call on different.
Agencies or assemblyman. Two up
to me with your folks. To
discuss that issue- there's
three different issues and I'll
be more than talk happy to talk
with you guys about just give
me a chance. So I mean those
are problems that I see because
once we get done here you make
another determination and why I
bring that up. HBO. Is one of
those and I- I know there's
some wiggle room. We'll see if
you can work together with the
mom and pops and straight as
well. You don't need to put us
out of business. The other
Havilah Warren today as a
school board her out. Do you
know what what impact it has on
schools. To lose jobs. No one
up when you lose a job. Mom and
dad have to move out of Taft.
They're gone. You know how
we're calculator or- our
finances this call a D. A.
average daily attendance
without those tunes. You hamper
their education and believe me.
We need all of dollars we could
get to educate our kids. And so
to me that's a real concern the
third Havilah more today. As
for the immediate Taft
unfortunately can't forget port
city. Suburbs of Taft. Those
are pretty slow outer come on.
I have to tell you you see the
impact of the house nobody's
talked about their legacy I
have ten grand I have ten
grandkids. Three kids and three
great grand kids and all of my
gonna Central Valley. Do you
think there's anything I could
think of harming those kids
come on. Are you through a fax
six of live right across the
street from me. And by the way
I'm gonna protection to here
today about my son in about
four fifty so if you guys want
talk to your doctor. Someone
will say about the- but anyway
if you see your if you see your
neighbors lose our jobs that
you've grown up with a new via
in our earned earned our trust
and vice versa and they have to
move I have a I have a
secretary right now that's
what's going to happen to them.
They're moving to Texas muddy
Texas of all places but- book.
Prosecuting they're moving to
Texas. That's the impact that
you guys are having. And I
appreciate the supervisors are
get all but stand here. I
appreciate your old listen to
us are really do voluntary
something I'm not happy you
guys it'll be really onerous
I'll be really interesting here
which you have to sort. Of be
very onerous thank you thank
you. Thank you less. I'm so
happy to hear. Very very happy
to hear from of my friend and
partner in this community and
local hiring closing our skills
gap Jim L. rod such a wonderful
wonderful partner to Kern
county thank you for being
here. And for giving the
governor's staff- aid- new a
new and important perspective
on this issue- so thank you
lord yours thank you very much
supervisor Paresh chairman
parades thank you thank you to
the supervisors for allowing me
to speak to Hey but you think
supervisor Scrivner for
actually pushing this list here
today. And I'd like to think
that delegation from Sacramento
to be here today to hear our
concerns thank the assemblyman
and senators who took a time
out of their very busy
schedules and Sacramento to
here to support this. My name
is Jim L. Ron Jay I am he L. R.
O. D. I am the business manager
financial secretary of the
international brotherhood of
electrical workers. I am not
directly related to the oil
industry but we do partner in
the oil industry and- our
contractorsdo work out there.
Something that I haven't heard
yet that- will bring a few
stats to. Is the amount of jobs
in California there's a hundred
and fifty two thousand one
hundred direct jobs related
into the oil industry. There's.
Three hundred sixty five
thousand nine hundred and
seventy- support jobs with the
end industry. San Joaquin
Valley which is the valley that
don't we all live in here it
has twenty three thousand five
hundred and twenty direct jobs.
And it has a- three hundred and.
380-009-0040 the support jobs
Kern county which is probably
one of the biggest supporters
and- in all of California
except for the LA area yeah but
in the same Joaquin area we
actually employee fourteen
thousand two hundred and
thirteen direct jobs. With
twenty three thousand nine
hundred that work in the
industry. So I'm gonna might my
first time today is going to be
spent on the role that the IBEW
plays in the oil and gas
industry. So. We have
approximately eight hundred
members in the IBEW of that
works in the electrical
industry. We presently have
over one hundred and twenty
direct jobs and twenty support
jobs of these numbers that I'm
going to give you are strictly
for current county they don't
go outside the Kern county. So
in the old fields right now
between the employers we have.
That work in the oil fields an
average annual income based at
two thousand hours. Of eighty
one thousand six hundred
dollars. That's from the lowest
paid individual which beer
first year plan is up through
our general foreman's. Twenty
one thousand dollars a year is
a really nice income thatyou
can afford. To support a family
on and raise a family and help
put your children through
school. So that's nothing to
sneeze S. very difficult to
find that anywhere outside of
the oil industry. The. We have
a all this take a contractor
that we have out of the many
that we have that working in
the oil and gas industry. And
that contractor. Over the last
four years has employed four
hundred and forty four direct
jobs in the oil and gas
industry. With an average of
the eighty one thousand six
hundred dollars fee that's a it
is a thirty six million dollars
in four years. That averages
out to about eight and a half
million dollars. In one year so
that's a lot of money into the
economy. And into the current
county area. Sorry turn the
page here. So on a personal
basis I'm sixty one years old
I'm a lifelong resident of Kern
county and has a lot of Kern
county graduates back in the
day in the in the seventies- I
graduated from north high
school which is kind of right
in the heart of the oil
country. You either went on to
college or you got a job and
most of us got a job in the oil
industry I went to school for
one year. The biggest real
college. Decided that- high
price. Isn't fit for being a
college graduate so I ended up
getting a job in the oil fields
I worked in the production area
I worked on a drilling rig- it
was a- fantastic pay it was
dangerous work. It was dirty
work but- it taught me how to
get up every morning show up to
work do my job. And come home
and make money in to be able to
start a family it's not a lot
of industries that you can do
that. Without having a lot of
skill or background or
education. So my hat off to the
oil industry to give me that
head start. That got me in to
be able to trade. But oil and
gas in my family. Kind of built
in my DNA. My grandfather.
Worked in the oil in oil and
gas industry he was a pumper.
For a lot of independent oil
companies in town. Earlier I
seen my uncle sitting over here
in the audience I don't even
know if he knows this but-
growing up me and my brother
used to spend the weekends with
my grandparents about once a
month. And on Saturday mornings
my grandpa would throw us in
the truck. Take us out into the
oil fields where Gage park we
were hello my brothers or my
own motorcycle so. I don't
nobody ever knew that because
he was on sleep. This so you
were raised in the oil fields
well like I said my grandfather
worked in the in the industry
my dad who is a journeyman warm
and retired. Eighty nine years
old but he worked in the oil
industry. On the gas plants out
of the kills a lot of the co
gins in the Kern county area.
And like I explained earlier
myself I actually worked in the
oil fields when I got in the
electrical trade I worked in
the oil fields I worked at
kills and build the power plant
I work but all this power
plants inKern county. Built up
and built on so there's been a
lot of oil and gas
opportunities. The although
we're not directly related to
it providing jobs for Kern
county residents. And it also
has provided a lot of
opportunities for Kern county
residents. To get into our
apprenticeship programs to the
building trades. So the
importance of us maintaining
this. In Kern county is vital
and- you know it's been
mentioned before it's terrible
that I got to follow some of
the more educated better
speaking people who know their-
industry little better. But at
the end of the day like it's
been spoken earlier. If we were
to legislate. Out oil and gas
industry in California today.
The car's the trucks the trains
the buses they're not going to
stop running tomorrow they're
all going to continue to go up
and down the streets. The
asphalt made for moral
products. Plastics and. The
drugs pharmaceuticals are made
for moral products. And what
will happen is we'll start
importing more from countries
like permission before
Venezuela Saudi Arabia where
they're gonna pop tons and tons
of pollutants into the
atmosphere to take that oral
over here and then there we're
going to still use it. At the
end of the day we've lost all
these great jobs and
opportunities for California
residents the tax revenue that
the cities and towns need plus
the state I think at the end of
the day you're working some of
the finest and smart people in
the industry in the oil and
gas. In they need a seat at the
table that need to be able to
set and have these
conversations to be able to
make this were already the
cleanliness and world. Anytime
that you're gonna cut a barrel
and bring it in from somewhere
else your pollutant the planet.
So we need to be concerned
about California jobs we also
are concerned about the planet
so every oil do the barrel oil
we produce here. Is the
cleanest oil in there in the
world so we're helping the
environment across the planet
by producing the oil here. So I
heard it says spoke. This week
that we need to start making
the transition to a cleaner
source of power. Well that that
kind of started back in the day
when the gas prices hit over
five dollars a barrel. So I B.
W. also works in the clean
energy business and to date we
have built over two thousand
five hundred megawatts of solar
power. Just in Kern county
created hundreds and hundreds
of jobs in that industry. And
so that transition has already
begun a matter o fact about a
year ago- eight minute energy
had. Announced that they can
now produce a kilowatt of
electricity cheaper than happy
can be produced with natural
gas so that transition is
already taking place. But the
fake that were ever going to be
able to do without the oil and
gas product is just foolish
thanking so what we need to do
is rely on the expertise of
these oil companies. Utilize
them to help us create the
cleanest possible method of
burning this while keeping the
jobs in California. Keeping the
ability to keep people- able to
live and pay for things and the
transition's gonna take care of
itself economics is always
going to lean to whatever's
cheapest. So electric cars are
becoming more popular we've
been involved in installing
charging stations all up and
down California so it
transitions already taking
place. So let's let's not get
hasty just to make ourselves
feel good and Pat ourselves on
the back we're doing our part
for the army because we are
Bedard. Mark again I think this
thing we can do is invite these
first to the table and hear
what they have to say and let
them help us get to the best we
can be. Thank you. Jeff. I
don't think I've ever heard you
speak that much in ten years.
I've are usually very very
brief and I really appreciate
your motorcycle confession-
here a made made for the first
time I've never heard so much
personal information about you
and it is a delight I'd like-
miss Williams and the
governor's. Group to know that
I beat. Brian hold in general
run a employee or give the
employment opportunities every
single person I've ever sent to
them whether they're my former
clients of the public
defender's office whether they
are people who are struggling
with homelessness and
instability- we send them right
to these folks and- not all of
them are immediately employable
course but for. Every single
one is willing to show up more
car. It really well and these
guys are completely. Our people
to work and I'd I just don't
know there's anything more
important as a community and
society we can be doing an
offering that kind of
hopefulness to our people and
these guys really doing and
they did and it's marvelous to
know that and for you to see
that our labor groups work very
closely with our industry
because they benefit each
other. And the benefit this
community and Jeff really- all
my love and respect and
gratitude to you for putting
Kern county people to work I
know how devoted you are to
that and it means so much to
me. Thank you thank you John
called. Lorelei falda. Madam
chairman members of the board
of supervisors my name is John
Spaulding an executive
secretary of the current annual
more county building and
construction trades council
which represents over six
thousand men and women. All of
which approximately one
thousand our premises. I'm here
to let you know that we are
opposed to the limitation of
fossil fuels in California and
to let you know that would be
devastating to the current
county believe the construction
industry. I have would be an
analysis of construction
spending unemployment. In the
California oil and gas industry.
This analysis was done at the
request of the state building
and construction trades council
president. Robbie hunter. And
was done by the institute of
construction economic research
at Michigan State University.
The report begins with the
executive summary which states
that the California oil and gas
industry helps Palmer the
state's economy. By investing
in the infrastructure to
extract refine and distribute
the oil necessary to keep up
with consumer demand. In the
pursuit of this endeavor. The
industry as a consistent
economic engine investing
billions of dollars annually
and employing thousands of hard
working. California
construction workers and good
paying jobs these jobs
represent vital pathways to the
middle class especially for
workers who lack a college
degree and I have copies and I
like. Present to the board of
supervisors. You. We cannot
support legislation that will
eliminate our jobs and makes
his victim to foreign oil.
Especially when we can be self
reliant. For the continued
growth that we are to expect
here in California and
especially here in Kern county.
We have been at the front lines
of creating the green
infrastructure in California
every major wind and solar
project has been built by the
building trades and most of it
over the objections. Of
environmental activist. Know
that the jobs created after the
wind and solar projects are
built are not many. And
definitely not as good paying
jobs needed to sustain the
middle class income we have
come to expect. Thank you
providing for this form thank
you supervisor Scrivner for.
Getting mad and- raising the
voice and. We support your
recommendation to authorize the
planning and resources director
to implement preparation of an
economic impact report. Thank
you madam chair thank you John.
Okay well I want to say thank
you to the industry wraps- and
I know we'll be hearing- a
little more later in the agenda
but really thank you for the
brevity of your presentation
and the spirit of civility by
which- we are helping this team
understand- what our concerns
what are issues are and- I am
so grateful for that. We're
gonna pivot now to our state
representatives and really I am
aware that the governor is
making a crude the crucial
critical tour around the state
on homelessness we know it's
the number one issue by eighty
nine percent. Of Californians
who say immediate action must
be taken so I find it- striking
a remarkable that so many of
you are here- and that you have
been present for two days
taking lots of meetings. And
listening with an open here to
open heart I sense that and I'm
grateful for that so again
welcome to county I look
forward to hearing from you you
know less park is also waiting
to hear from you to. There is
that there's no question about
that. Williams so I mean it
could turn to you now Mister
Williams a legislative affairs
secretary office of governor
knew some really thank you for
your graciousness your time and
for reallylistening to current
county families and workers the
floor is yours thank you. Thank
you madam chairwoman and
members of the board of
supervisors it's a pleasure. To
be here- I- also wondered
knowledge- maybe- they don't
want me to but I'm gonna say it
in this way are really strong
state elected officials and you
have representing Kern county
US senator Melissa her Tado
center sharing sending grows-
simply member Rudy solace and
similar events fall we don't
agree on everything and they
know that. But I can tell you
how hard they work for you in
Sacramento you should be proud
of their hair. I also want to
acknowledge our mayor my mare.
You know I. I believe people
don't know and I should hav
said and spell my name I forgot
Anthony Williams- W. I. L. L.
I. a M. S. I am a son of
Bakersfield- born and raised
here- I attended while I
attended west high and I'm a
proud Viking from the mid
eighties- I also have family
members for generations at BHS-
east Thais south high and yes.
Even north hi. My family has
been in this in this city and
this county- for over a hundred
years- we are teachers
firefighters police officers-
correctional officers dentists-
housekeepers gardeners you name
it we've done at- including and
I gotta tell a story in a
second here but- including
electricians who happen to my
father who was a lifelong IBEW
member so yeah that means
something to me- and I worked
in the oil fields I've been in
I had jobs from. L. kills to
Oildale. And so. This tell you.
You know after I finish up here
today I'm taking my ninety
three year old grandfather out
to dinner so thank you for
giving me the excuse to be in
Bakersfield today. So I hear
you I see you because I am you.
And I'm also a member of the
governor's senior staff I'm not
just anybody who was sent here
because I happen to be from
Bakersfield- I as the
governor's legislative affairs
secretary and part of his
senior team I talked to the
governor. Every single day and
so when my voice rings in is
here hear your voice rings in
his ear and I'm very proud of
that and I'm here today because
obviously I care deeply about
the future of this county. And
I want to acknowledge all of
you who've expressed concerns
about the actions that this
administration is taken- and
those you represent- we
recognize that many of the
issues the state the nation in
fact. Our world face- climate
change globalization
modernization all those things
are having a disproportionate
impact on current county- it's
this its oil and gas industry
it's agricultural industry.
It's correctional industry we
see that and we know that- you
know these forces are larger
than one industry or one county
even one state. And we need to
figure out how to get in front
of them or we risk getting run
over by them. And the only way
we can realize a future for
current county that adapts of
these forces is by working
together. So I'm here today to
listen to you in this chamber.
We've heard from the industry
I'm also eager to hear from the
distinguished members of the
board of supervisors and more
importantly frankly those of
you who were in the community
and I want to hear your voices-
my grandfather does have to be
in bedby eight so. I'll stay
as long as I can. I'm this is.
Visit to bakers from the last
thirty days. I ain't gonna be
mylast in the next thirty
days- I'm gonna be back- our
team is going to be back. And I
can. Promise you the governor
is going to be back he's been
here three times as he's been
elected governor- and- a couple
of those times have been- some
challenging issues but I hope.
That the next visit is to
celebrate what Kerr county is
all about- we set some
ambitious goals to adapt to
climate change an- entire
industries have risen up. To
meet them. And one of the
things I want the governor to
see. Is that current county is
already the top producer of
renewable energy in California.
The county will be important
for capturing carbon in the
years to come. So this county
will continue to play a
critical role in meeting the
state's energy needs including
the end state production. As we
transition to a carbon neutral
economy. The governor also
recognize that well as we move
toward a stronger future for
current county that requires a
more diverse dynamic regional
economy as well. And Mister
chairman I gotta tell you-
you're right. That we have been
talking about I just
transition- but also we need to
have a just now for all the
workers and people here in Kern
county. In his inaugural speech
of the governor talked about
the reasons hunger for
investment in a sense followed
it up with investments that
prioritizes counties long term
economic vitality. And
environmental sustainability.
This year's budget includes
important investments to
support Kern county seven point
three billion dollar
agricultural industry economy.
Including a four point seven
billion dollar climate
resilience bond and a billion
dollar catalyst Boron fund.
These initiatives built on the
state's capacity to incentivize
climate smart act products
projects I'm sorry in Kern
county such as agricultural off
road engine replacement and
healthy soils. This year's
proposal also includes a broad
suite of water resilience
priorities that advance drought
risk reduction and support
sigma implementation. Governor
Newsome is also proposed a five
year hundred sixty five million
dollar investment. In from-
last year's enacted budget-
that will support targeted
areas of the state including
current county and planning
workforce development
strategies that maximize their
unique acts assets such as
geography economy. And labor
pool. Before I close I can I
got to just say that Jim Mister
Elrod. I have the wrote road
rash to prove that riding
motorcycles and oil fields is
not the greatest I'd of ideas-
because I used to do that
myself and my best friend's
father who was a janitor. For
oil in the fields with lotus up
in the truck and we have not
much to do but ride those
motorcycles round so- but just
just to finish up here meeting
the unique challenges facing
this county were require all of
us to look towards. The jobs of
the future the jobs of now. S.
issues like equality in climate
change that a going for
decades. And that's why I'm
here to listen also Lucien's I
will make this community and
our economy more resilient. I
look forward to. Continuing our
work in partnership. With all
of you. With the county to
realize a brighter future- for
the county my county and for
our state as a whole thank you
for your time. Thank you. Thank
thank you miss Williams- are
there questions right now from
the board okay after we hear
from all three representatives
and we will certainly open it
up to a question from my
colleagues but David it's not
every day we have a cabinet
secretary in hunt county met
very early this morning had
opportunity to share personally
about our lives and our- love
for the work that we do and the
people they serve and I really
appreciate that at your time at
your emphasis and being here
thank you. David chassis and
director of the department of
conservation the floor is yours
thank you thank you for the
invitation to be here today and
to. Participate in this
discussion. I appreciate the
time with Lorelei today it was
a very enlightening as to- what
you're doing to plan for your
future and I want you to know
that we're here to listen-
about those plans and to offer
a partnership. In our
resources. Are to find
solutions that can shape the
path forward. My name is David
should be and spelled S. H. A.
B. A. Z. I a N. quite a
mouthful- used actually spoke
longer before when my family
first came the formula. I was
appointed to be the director of
conservation- last October my
background is in regional land
use planning. With an emphasis
on rural urban connections and
increasing the economic
viability of our working land
here in California. In concert
with our mandate to oversee oil
and gas production our
department is focused on
balancing today's needs with
tomorrow's obligations and
opportunities. By focusing on
sustainable and efficient use
of California's energy land and
mineral resources. Since
becoming director I've worked
hard to get up to speed on oil
and gas issues relevant
statutes and regulations. I
recently visited oil and gas
production facilities here in
Kern county and met with
operators to learn about their
production process. And
environmental compliance
efforts. I'm joined by state
oil and gas supervisor and took.
Who will go into more detail on
the state's new policy
initiatives and permitting
issues. We were asked to and to
we were asked for information
about the state's strategy for
carbon neutrality. I can share
that the governor is committed
to achieving our climate goals
in ways that continue to grow
our economy. And transition our
work force including here in
Kern county. These changes will
not happen overnight. But they
will come none the less. I
think it is important to
acknowledge that even as oil
production has decreased
steadily since it peaked thirty
five years ago- here in
California consumption of
fossil fuels has actually grown.
Whether in the form of gasoline
diesel fuel jet fuel or in a
variety of other products from
asphalt to electronics from
roof tiles to rugs. That is an
important context for today's
conversation. As you may know
the California environmental
protection agency is leading
the state's effort to evaluate
how we transition to a carbon
neutral economy. But many other
agencies across the new some
administration including the
department of conservation. Are
working with Kern county and
others to develop the scope of
this work. Your ongoing input
is critical to this process
specifically our sister agency
cal EPA is pursuing two studies
to support the state's goal of
achieving carbon neutrality by
twenty forty five. The first
study will examine ways to%
significantly reduce.
Transportation related fossil
fuel demand and emissions
including transitioning to zero
emission vehicles. Accelerating
the use of alternative fuel
sources. And reducing vehicle
miles traveled. The second cal
EPA study will identify
strategies for managing
declining transportation fossil
fuel supply. Including
strategies focus on local
pollution reduction in land use.
The two studies will take place
in parallel and aligned with
the state's effort to
responsibly manage the decline
in fossil fuel production and
consumption in a way. That is
economically responsible and
maximizes equity resiliency
health and environmental
quality across the state.
Particular attention will be
paid to fostering sustainable
and diversified local and
regional economic development.
And the creation of high
quality jobs for all
communities. Affordable
accessible and reliable non
fossil fuel options and
technologies also will be a key
focus. Cal EPA released a draft
scope of work on December
twentieth last year after
public comment period in a
series of workshops including
one here in Bakersfield. The
pub the public comment period
closes tomorrow but Callie PA
plans further public engagement
as the study develops. The
governor is also serious about
a just transition of
California's workforce here in
Kern county and other regions a
just transition insurers that
all Californians benefit from
the transition to carbon
neutrality. This entails
creating economic opportunity
for disadvantaged communities
most burdened by the climate
crisis. It also entails
managing economic transition to
protect resource dependent
communities that rely heavily
on fossil fuel industries. This
work will be statewide but will
include a focus on areas and
industries that have been
traditionally dependent on
fossil fuels including current
county. As California prepares
for a transition to a carbon
neutral economy in coming
decades. Again I want to thank
the board. For the opportunity
to be here we are here to
listen to be partners and to
find solutions together and
beyond today continue a
dialogue with you. Thank you.
Thank you very much Shia
Bayesian his right correct
thank you got it right that
time thank you and we will have
some questions for you. Which I
know you're ready for. And of
course walk a net another
Bakersfield man welcome. You
have many many friends here who
speak very highly of you so if
you are warmly welcomed back to
current county- but will we'll
wait and see what you have to
say. Final judgment. The floor
is yours thank you madam chair
honorable supervised. Thank you
for the petition to be here and
it's great to be back in Kern
county. My name is- walk Joe
and took first name is spelled
you D. U. A. K. dash J. O. E.
last name in T. U. K. I was
appointed the California state
oil and gas supervisor also
this past October I have a
background in both industry and
government. I and my master's
degree in engineering I see and
I'm an adjunct faculty member
in good Gerry department along
the state why earn my
undergraduate degree. I started
my career right here in only.
Russian engineer reservoir
engineer. While working in
local industry. Then I
transition to local government
with the city of Long Beach and
most recently served as a
petroleum ministry to for the
city of Los Angeles. Right now
to give the challenges of
producing oil and gas. Heavily
nice areas. I understand
complexity of building bridges
and solutions to address public
concerns and both rural and
urban environments. While
sharing post guards and energy
needs are met. As of the new
year January first- dagr is now
known as the California
geologic energy management
division also known as cal jam.
But the new name comes from a
B. ten fifty seven which was
passed by the legislature and
signed by the governor last
year. This legislation adds to
the section of public resources
code the specifically says. The
and build on cal Jones mandate
and updates and priorities to
protect human health safeguard
the environment in advance the
state's long term climate and
energy goals. It also calls on
cal Jim to coordinate with
other state agencies honest
just climate and energy
policies and laws. This broader
forward looking focus builds on
the divisions renewal plan to
create a modern science driven
regulatory agency. But what are
these changes resulting in.
We're strengthening regulatory
oversight and continually to
professional eyes cal Jim. We
are focused on strengthening
our regulatory program
emphasizing compliance since
safeguarding public health
safety and the environment
through field inspections and
enforcement. End of production
has been reducing in recent
decades we will continue to
insure the operations our
operators take responsibility
for safely decommissioning
wells and associated
infrastructure. I want to talk
more about the recent
initiatives that are underway
to insure and underscore the
scientific basis for
permitting- decisions as well
as the other actions taken to
dress Kern county. Concerned
about economic impacts. First
cal Jim was requested- has
requested an independent review
of the permitting process for
well stimulation and
underground injection control.
his review will be conducted
by the office of state audits
and evaluation in the
California department of
finance. The review appraises
the visions current programming
process. To ensure the adequacy
and develop public
recommendations for any needed
improvements. Confident in our
permanent process a committed
to resolving concerns raised
last year about visa process.
While the review is being
completed in the coming months
the division institute of third
party scientific review of
pending well stimulation
permits. To insure the state's
technical standards for public
health safety environmental
protection are met prior to
proving each permit. Their
views being conducted by
independent experts at the
Livermore the Lawrence
Livermore national laboratory.
We look forward to this process
moving forward to allow the
labs to complete the review a
well stimulations on a rolling
basis in the coming weeks.
Second. Given the extent of the
recent unprecedented surface
expressions of some work in
midway oil fields I'm more torn
was put in place in November a
new permits of high pressure
steam injection ago about
fracture pressure while
investigating the causes of the
spill. New regulations became
effective April first two
thousand nineteen expressively
prohibiting surface expressions
resulting from injection
operations due to their
potential harms to human health
and the environment. During the
moratorium regular Tate
regulators will consult with
experts and exam records from
recent surface expressions
spills to better determine
whether high pressure psychics
team can be conducted safely
and in compliance with our new
regulations. A contractor that
valuations nearly complete and
it will take three to six
months to value with the
different fields in engineering
techniques utilized by the
various operators across state
California. Along with the deal
cedar after- I was just here in
Bakersfield- last week and have
the opportunity to see the
field first hand for myself.
And we have an over we got an
overview of the different
steaming cyclic steam and
esteem flood of practices in
the area. We're listening we're
building relationships and
we're being transparent about
our actions. Third. Calcium is
we got a process to Sam in the
current oil gas regulations and
identify gaps the need to be
filled to better protect public
health and safety. This rule
making process proceed
carefully thoughtfully- full
engagement from all
stakeholders. Including all
companies and community based
organizations. There will be
numerous public meetings on
both the pre rulemaking
informal rulemaking process.
Included several here in the
current county area. In
Bakersfield Delano arvin and
other communities in the
Central Valley. As you likely
read the governor's budget
proposed last Friday includes
recommendations consistent with
cal Jones mandate to prioritize
protecting public health
safeguarding the environment in
advancing the state's climate
and energy goals. This budget
proposal one hundred twenty
eight new positions phased in
over three fiscal years to help
us strengthen oversight
increased transparency
enforcement and Bonnie level X.
evaluations. The position will
help us strengthen our presence
in the field to ensure
compliance with health and
safety regulations even as we
engage with the public to
improve our transparency.
California is the world's fifth
largest economy. As part of the
global market place we are
directly impacted by world
events the create uncertainty
in business. This is not a fact
is new to Kern county. But is
does have a sizeable influence
on local oil industry and
sometimes regardless of local
or state. Conditions we
recognize the importance of
instate production to meeting
pCs
we want clean air fresh water.
A good paying job today and in
the future for our children. We
are committed to applying a
thoughtful and measured
approach as we transition to a
low carbon economy the pride
prioritizes leaving no one
behind. The carbon neutrality
studies being led by Calley P.
able strategically evaluate all
options and being proactive in
the careful study of both
supply and demand. The study
will form of long term planning
for moving towards a clean
energy future together. Again I
would like to thank the board
for the opportunity to address
them- and members of the
community we met with this
morning this afternoon we will-
we conclude by saying that we
are here to listen. To work
together and you have our
commitment. There we will
continue to do so now and in
the future we're happy to take
any questions. Thank you very
much for your presentation and
of my colleague certainly have
some common questions for you
so I'm gonna open the floor. To
my colleagues to- engage in
some queue in a I see
supervisor Scrivner. Up checked
in and again it's Zack. Thank
you for calling this- meeting
here it's been your momentum
and direction to for that his.
Because this. You know and like
me opportunity for all of us
really so hats off to
leadership. JW well well
supported the referral and so
this United front up here I
believe with the board of
supervisors RK our concern for.
This industry but I appreciate
your comments and I'm sure
thank you- I'd like to. First
thank- our staff from the
county administrative office.
Mr Alsop and- in your staff and
also. From our natural resource
planning natural resources
department and our director
miss Oviatt. For the hard work
and the you all put into the
thoughtful. And important-
board met board letter that I
think frames the discussion
today along with the excellent
comments from the- folks from
the oil industry and also the
trade associations- some of
those statistics that are
highlighted in that board
letter I think are are
important for us to point out
to put some context here the it
there are a lot of numbers that
were thrown out of the ones
that stand out to me are the
over three hundred and sixty
five dot job in California the
either directly. Or indirectly
related- and supported by the
oil and gas in. A and this. The
this is governors attack and
that's what I believe it is on
our oil industry if allowed to
continue on its present course
puts those jobs in jeopardy as
well as a twenty one point six
billion dollars in annual local
state and federal tax dollars
that supports our schools our
roads our first responders our
libraries at cetera the
economic contributions to the
county alone. Is over nine
billion dollars. The governor's
reset out spent at the
moratorium on new high pressure
cyclic steam permits. A hold on
the issuance of hydraulic
fracturing permits and 90% of
those are in Kern county which
I think demonstrates how this
is clearly an attack on current
county specifically. When you
go after those kinds of permits.
In addition to the policy
directed to phase out fossil
fuels in this day completely I
believe sent shock waves
throughout our community we
heard from very petroleum. That
showed us that their stock
dropped 40% overnight. Once
this announcement was made so
what does that do to investment
that wants to come here into
the counting it dries up work
it stop capital investments
that were planned are put on
hold. And that all cost jobs
and so to me the governor's
attack on oil industry was a
clear threat to our jobs. Our
tax base and our ability to
prosper as a community here in
Kern county. What other
industry provides highway H.
career opportunities for non
college graduates where you can
earn eighty thousand dollars a
year as was said. Earlier what
other industry anarchy in our
county contributes more on non
profits into our institutes of
learning. There aren't any. And
the governor's attack on our
oil industry in Kern county is
totally unfair. We have the
cleanest safest most
environmentally responsible
industry in the country. Since
two thousand fifteen with our
oil and gas E. I. R. and
permitting current standards to
mitigate for air water and
greenhouse gas has far
surpassed state law. And any
other oil producing county in
the state to date current oil
companies have paid a whopping
eighty five million dollars to
clean out the valley's air
eighty five million today since
we started that permitting
process. Those fees are paid at
the San Joaquin Valley air
pollution control district for
projects to offset the impact
for new drilling to ensure and
no net increase in air
pollutants now one is on more
than this industry to clean the
air in the valley. So I wanted.
And sincerely thank the members
of the governor's
administration- here today
because it's important for you
to hear us and also to help us
understand why the governor is
doing this I realize the
governor is under pressure from
environmental extremists who
want this administration to do
more to regulate the oil
industry and these activist
groups clearly have the
governors here. I will assure
you however this board listen
to these concerns through
thousands of pages of comments
and analysis and hours of
testimony on the oil and gas ER
local permitting in December of
twenty fifteen. I think this
board remembers that. We
actually had an oil and gas
company and mineral holders who
wanted no additional
regulations whatsoever and they
sued us over these regulations
but we push forward. We added
significant additional cost oil
and gas extraction X.
exploration even maintenance to
address all of these concerns
any new well drilled and any
older wells reworked are under
the new permitting system. Big
cal Jim is responsible for
making sure any older wells
meet the criteria for
abandonment and I want to see
more money being sent down to
us from the orphan wells and
abandonment program I
understand a lot that a lot of
money. Is being spent in
coastal counties on that
programming yet again the money
comes from our current county
businesses so we need more of
that to be here. I'd like to
direct myself. To contract
contact halogen they're they're
sitting pretty close to you
right now. And work on
understanding. And work on%
understanding how we can get
funding for abandoned wells
particularly since it appears
they are being given
significant money and new staff
and put it positions for
implementation of regulate of
regulation so that's not a-
that's not a- question that's
an ask of you all. Our
regulations go beyond state
regulations that are more
protective than any other
jurisdiction. Rather than
continue to ignore our
regulations you should be
advocating that other
jurisdictions in California.
Impose the same strict
mitigating air down to no net
increase limitations. On the
service on the site plan
information operations and
access an imposition of noise
restrictions these are all
medications. That this board
adopted and other jurisdictions
in the rest of California have
not. We provide a more
environmental protection with
permits certainty exactly what
we have done in the renewable
energy sector. We know the
demand for oil in California is
only increasing e had some of
our speakers that spoke to that
we produce roughly 40% of the
oil and gas that we all use
here in our home state. The
rest is imported and so where
do we get it and I put together
a slideshow as I was
researching there some images I
think the pictures. Pictures
really can can tell a lot- a
lot more than just talking
about but I want to warn
everybody that there are some
some graphic images. Appear and
we did our best to censor it-
so they may be serving so
please if you could pay
attention to that. Our please
pray that my when you're
watching. On the first side
basically shows our oil
production so according to the
California energy commission
our status increased its
importation of foreign oil.
From one hundred and fifty
thousand. Three fifty thousand
barrels a day since the year
two thousand. That three
hundred fifty thousand barrels
a day is more than half of.
Hundred fifty thousand barrels.
Of net imports into the United
States okay when you really did
most of it. Well the rest of
the country is a cheap energy
and- many imports 60% of our
oil. Production in California
declined because of anti fossil
fuel politics and environmental
policies demand for gasoline as
has been stated diesel and jet
fuel has nevertheless increased
and so the main can't make
countries were receiving it
from. You're looking at Saudi
Arabia Ecuador and Colombia and
so they make up the bulk of it
and then you have some other
Middle East countries and
countries in South America. And
so let's first of all talk
about the country receive most
of our imports from. His Saudi
Arabia and their human rights
abuses. The lack of women's
rights. And restrictions on
travel. And the list goes on
and on about how women. Are
treated sub standard to men in
Saudi Arabia. Things that
things that women can't do
still in Saudi Arabia they're
separate entrances to most
public buildings for women.
Versus men. Adultery is
punishable by death. Community
they're persecuted harshly
punished and sometimes worse.
The lack of freedom of religion.
The lack of freedom of the
press. I'm going through these
quick because when we have a
lot of speakers they were
looking for to hearing from.
It's among the ten most. Sensor
countries in the world. And
these images we blocked him out
but those are folks that have
been beheaded in Hong for
various offenses. These are
more. And these are public
educate executions at a care
occur paralysis I guaranteeing
and other medieval punishments
that occurred of folks in Saudi
Arabia. And not to mention the
national security risks of
having so much oil coming from
the Middle East particularly
with recent events. California
has more crude coming through
the strait of Hormuz than it
produces here at home we bring
more through the strait of
Hormuz then we produce here at
home so the result is
California remains at the
whims. Of foreign powers in the
Middle East. These are just
some images of oil fields in
Iraq. More spells. More fires
now let's talk about South
America Columbia. And grill at
tax on pipelines put the oil
supply their Raskin obviously
cause tremendous environmental
damage as well. These are more
examples of that. These this is
a Colombian oil spill. More
fires these are grill attacks
more more guerrilla attacks on
the pipelines this is a river
that is full of oil and I would
offer that this is worse than
as service expression that the
governor came down here to
visit. Recently this is Brazil
with sea turtles. More of that.
This is Ecuador. These are the
rainforest where you have about
five hundred endangered species.
And this is what's happening to
their habitat in those
countries and so. Moreover. All
of this foreign oil comes in
through our ports a recent LA
times article reported that the
ports are now one of the
leading causes of pollution in
California with a diesel
burning trucks ships
locomotives and cargo handling
equipment not only are the
ports choked for capacity they
are now Chokri choking
neighboring residents with
their pollution more foreign
oil imports. Will only make
this problem at the ports worse.
It's in in my side. Boucher
everybody's indulgence that so
the question is why would this
administration pursue policies
that will destroy domestic
production in California only
to send our jobs and our
treasure to these countries
with terrible human rights
records Littleton-
environmental controls. If we
want to be good stewards of our
environment. And protect our
fellow man which I'm sure this
administration wants to do why
would we not instead produce
our oil here where we do it
safely and responsibly
protecting our environment our
workers and our communities.
This in my opinion is the
hypocrisy of the governor's
attack on Kern county and I
don't think we're willing to
accept. Thank you if the
governors continue if the
governor continues to our to
attack our jobs and our economy
I can assure you the current
county will fight back. However
it does have to be this way. I
believe that we can both
achieve our goals for
California we all acknowledge
that fossil fuels will not be
the primary energy source for
ever current along with much of
the world has oil reserves
estimated at thirty to forty
year range and these ranges can
increase with new with new
technology they have in the
past they may. Continue to in
the future at the state
transitions away from fossil
let current county supply the
state's oil and gas needs let
the administration concentrate
on reducing demand for oil to
transition off of carbon done
attacked the supply side here
at home and by doing so curry
county in the rest of the
state's producers. Can make all
of our needs in the future we
can meet all of our needs. And
as the state transit is off of
fossil fuels. Help us diversify
our economy. So we are prepared
for the future. But don't
destroy our economy and prop up
the economies of countries that
are bad actors and put. Our
energy security risk. Kern
county can be your partner. We
have proven that we can help
the state achieve its goals to
transition to a green energy
future we have constructed
sixteen thousand megawatts of
wind and solar energy most of
it's actually in my district in
the mountains and the desert.
And we're already permitted
three thousand megawatt hours
of battery storage making wind
and solar even more vile you
can put it on the grid when the
wind is blowing and when the
sun is. Shining curry county
leads by the rest of the state
in renewable energy production
I support the same type of
innovation with a new economic
development ideas of our staff
retracting carbon management
industries and it's not just-
sequestration which was
mentioned but actually
scrubbing two from the air
Keene products from. These new
car management mysteries belong
here the current company that
will generate new sources of
high quality jobs and recipes
for the county yes rather than
the governor give us credit for
arvin when you met miss with
renewable energy and we can and
it's the state insist missing
at. Five to deny our right. To
support our families and our
communities. Model best of
state the county and the world
an example of how to produce
energy the right way don't ask
us how Kern county is going to
be part of the green transition
as an environmental activist
have recent challenged we had
led the group in transition in
this state since nineteen
eighty eight with the first
winter within the state.
Located and to have a- through
super and construct more
renewable energy and the state
of it. We have reduced our
unemployment from 23% down 29%
well. Struggled Sacramento
needs to ask us how to not tell
us how. In with all due respect
we did here first well before
this administration existed.
The new sim administrate it's
to hear from us so the
conclusion of this hearing I'm
gonna make a referral that this
board appointed delegation of
individuals from our community
that support our oil and gas
industry who understand the
vital role it must play in our
economy and our way of life
here for years to come. To me
with the governor. We must
compare him to ceases attack
account and explained to him
how we can be a part of the
solution that he envisions and
so that be a request John and-
your- if that means. Casual I
appreciate your attention thank
you for your time and thanks
for thank you to all. Keene
here look for your comments and
thank you. Thank you
supervisor's supervisor Mettler
thank you first I want to thank
you Frazier Scrivner for his
leadership in probably has to
have this they I'm grateful for
that I prefer the public that's
come we're gonna hear more from
the public at a little bit
after we made some statements.
And asking questions but I'm
grateful for all the public
this here today in the past you.
And I read full our. Thanks for
okay spends time with this it's
vital that you IBM. It is a as
an evidence of I think the
seriousness with which the
governor takes our issue but we
cannot ties to you the
consequences to us and we I
want talk about that I had
several questions ask you
you're the only conduit I have
to the government to the
governor so it isn't you that
I'm frustrated with it is new
that I'm upset. That is if you
that. Although I believe your
eyes I do as I'm doing it.
Because you're only ended I
Havilah governor. In that in
that tone because I've I have a
great respect for you but but
we must deliver the seriousness
of this issue. If we do not.
Effectively change the course
that we seem to be upon. But to
take more measures and one of
those is I will ask my board to
declare Kern county and oil and
gas sanctuary in this.
California so that we can find
a way. So that we can find a
way to salvage the- incredible
immense earth shattering
consequences. This will cause
to tens of thousands of people
that we represent our friends
and neighbors and- and I'm glad
to find out today. Your fan and
friends as well so. Mister
Williams I hope your vote. Like
never before in the ear of the
governor to use your words he
he needs to hear the
seriousness of it- and I've I'm
grateful for that and all of
I'm I ask a few questions if
you don't mind and then a
couple questions of industry.
And try to find a way for us.
To get ready to go here today
of it and my hope for going to
go can you tell me first. At
the end this is not. IBM I
wanted to be a dialogue back
and forth can you tell me first
what is the rationale of the
administration of the policies
that call it carbon neutral if
the oil you know three to fifty
thousand barrels a day being
brought into the state if that
oil is dirty than that well we
produce what is the- I helped.
A lot. Urban. We're gonna we're
gonna jointly answer the
question I just I want to start
by- thank first of all thank
you for the question and but
also wanted to respond to if
it's okay something that-
supervisor Scrivner said
certainly- but you know I think
it's pretty clear from all of
our minutes. That we- you know.
We are here in a spirit of
cooperation in this in the and
a desire to work together- at
but I do have to say on the
record that we totally take
issue and disagree with the
characterization. Of the owners.
Desire to. Have a- a- a an oil
and gas production system in
this state that is done.
Ethically environmentally safe-
for the public and workers who
who do the work. An
understanding that- how that
gets done something that. Needs
to be I was to be done
cooperatively but- so totally
take with with the activation
of that being attacked. On Kerr
on a- or representations some
sort of hypocrisy I just have
to say- strongest terms that we
completely agree that in fact.
It is the opposite- it is a
desire to recognize. That all
part of the state. Our our
countries that contain to be
made- that I would defer to-
Mister Shirazi in to talk
about- to answer your question
specifically. Well in terms of
neutrality defining it is a- at
in broad terms- basically. Not
saying that we're not gonna
have we're gonna have zero
emissions but saying that we
will also work with office it's
in a way that we get to net net
net zero meaning we might have
some. We all want to have some
but earlier. Doing carbon in
seaquest. And where one of the
mechanisms to get to that-
probably there are many others.
There there are many others
going forward- that we would
like to explore and work with
you- to understand better- as
well as ourselves understand
better and look at those
opportunities to achieve
neutrality. I think I think you
rip. That response and- in a
let me say I'm I don't question
it all your integrity you're
you're telling us the truth and
you're telling us that the
truth is you are directed to
tell us the truth. The people
published policies that is your
responsibility and I that but
there is a so it's not your
technically that I'm
questioning but there is. A if
it if that is the Abby. Honest
answer not and I believe that
it is. The other the it
reflects an incredible naivety
of the consequences. That's
what we're gonna try and- you
home to the governor force. So
it. Pops they were very
experienced. At the very bottom
of the San Joaquin. About what
offsets are that's how we have
improved the air quality I Sir
for many years on. The air
pollution control district I
Joaquin evolution and realistic
supervisor cap. So it's not
currently- this industry is.
Hundreds of millions of dollars
in offsets to do the very same
thing you're talking about. So
all we're asking for is an
opportunity to have a place at
the table. For us to provide
the cleanest in she plan. Fast
you'll driven cleanest be on
the planet me produce here and
that has a major impact on how
many houses are necessary so.
That that that point I'm not
going to reiterate everything
or else said that that that's
one of the final. Pieces of it
I believe. It helped me. Again
this is not antagonistic but
I'm I'm trying to get us to the
point that- it it's- my real
jobs I'm a CPA and I make
business deals. So the key to
making a business deal is you
get parties at the table you
figure out what everybody wants
you for everybody what. But his
risk is and find a way to
cooperate and- to try to find
with the answer so I'm gonna.
I'm a try to follow the same
thing I've always tried to
follow in that regard. So I
help me understand what what
was it that made the
administration. May be our
greatest shut down Mr or deny
this permits what. What was the
what Rubicon was process that's
it. Okay we have to do that.
His supervisor my- want to that
the- that's reflected priority
continue regulatory oversight
of the steps were taken our yes
part of the new mission and of
Jim but it was responding to
unsafe conditions it's really
the protocol through. Make sure
that we can. Confidently tell
the public that yes- cyclic
steam above- high pressure is
safe we are valuing if that is
possible and what
characteristics our criteria
are required to do that- is
part of the study. We are-
directly responding to the
unprecedented spills that we
have the summer and we are
working with the national labs
to validate from a science
based approach a fact based
approach. How do we do that
moving. What we to do not want
those service expressions- it
it and as you I'm sure you're
completely completely aware. Of
we have demanded of the oil and
oil and gas industry demands a
medications like no one else
has ever done with our E. I. R.
incurring county. We will
demand more of them we will
CPAC to adhere to every jot and
tittle of what medications are
necessary. But we can't the
fact that we kill the- we
cannot because of the concerts
Rosamond talking about. At it
those expressions are are
unacceptable and they should
they should be changed but-
arriving at what have we
mitigate that and moving
forward paste is a fundamental
part of what. I'm talking about
because as all explained in in
just a few more sentences- a
date is looming. Harshly on the
future after which- it is too
late the consequences that
occurred and we will see the
walls begin to tumble- and a
kind of a locally it is it some
concern to me that. Part of
your mission statement as I
understand it says this is the
very end of- gosh kidding
who's- a sound engineer. This
is deregulate drilling
operation and- it's ME.
Permanent cure of the resource
Wells. Well if there's an
inappropriate well. I got if
it's but that that that
statement is pretty broad and
that was drafted long before-
there were surface
compressions- twenty five miles
to the to the southwest of
answers. Would you like to say
something else Mr in. March
from it is very narrowly
focused. Currently proxy fifty
nine apartments that are within
the characterization of the
cyclists the moratorium this
past year we issued more than
eight thousand permits. A wide-
the reference here secondly the
reference you're you're you're
speaking to about the permit
closure- that's an activity
that button on going- this
requested by initially when
they- request. Seventy apple
should. We have been plugin
impending step out the wells
across. A for many decades and
so that last to access changed.
But you and this past year the
industry actually apply for
more abandonment permits the
new drilling it's a statewide
he's got a good time to touch
on the abandonment part- if
part of the transition is to
trance the transition from.
Operation jobs to shut in jobs
shutting shutting down those
are not the same jobs they
don't pay the same they're not
the same skill set. There the
economic consequences to the
families made eighty one
thousand a year somebody
pointed out and now somebody's
gonna make forty thousand
dollars a year is still
dramatic so. I will all come
back to that in a second here-
do you have. Or who can only
have the F. B. to resolve
issues. Who who is it that
needs to stand before us. Or
that we need to go stand before
and say you're the guy that
makes you're the guy or gal
that makes the decision. Who
who is that force please. I
hope that you that be great as.
I will raise my hand say I. You
user yes Sir thank you- Mr into
I appreciate your he wants to
do that because that's that's
critical this time things and
come up here again in a minute.
If we wait for it one of you
said I think with you Mr and
took that- and when Mr showers
into the same kind of thing
that it's a thoughtful-
approaches it's a careful
study- it. It you know that
you're going to be very careful
about that- I want you to be
careful about it I believe me
I'm we're making you to be
careful right now because- of
the consequences were about to
suffer from. From the actions
but we can't have and this is a
an overly used trite expression
we can have. A paralysis by
analysis the time for us to
make this decision is imminent.
The ladies and gentlemen this
to be even talked about letting
down Riggs about not making
decisions about moving forward
those are months and years in.
The run up to making them
happen. So as we I was going to
talk about the date now on and-
Mister Lifquist in fact let let
me ask Mr Lifquist to give us.
Another issue of. The room. Are
very accomplished. Assessor Mr
Lifquist thank you for coming
forward can you tell us Sir the
date upon which- we- make our
valuation of- the value of. Our
property assessments. Of and
based upon the price of crude
and what what that strike date
is January first each year. Her
first year. So if. If the
consequences of these actions
causes. And you you literally
so not gonna ask it's
everything all over again but-
the consequences of these
actions. Will lead to a tie. A
fact that will cause that
production and the value of
those. Resources to go down
does that not have a direct
effect on what those
assessments are. A directive it
it did possibly not immediate
effect but we will we will
start to feel the effects.
Charlie thank you I appreciate
that Mr Lifquist so what what
the point I'm trying to make is
by January one of two thousand.
One we have this then. We have
is. Our assessments go down we
will see them begin to drop we
will see not none of the
economic consequences of the
jobs that are a lot I'll talk
with that. But the consequence
to county is that if we don't
have. Tax revenue thousands
more people will become
unemployed we will not be able
to but to have a hospital deal
with. Tens of thousands of
emergencies a year- that we'll
have a concert at the hospital
can operate as a consequence
is- blowing up every other
emergency room in Kern county
the that is a devastating
consequences. We won't be able
to make sure that we even have
a deputies were struggling of
is that it now an F. deputies
to cover patrol on the street.
The consequences within county
government will. Earthquake
that will collapse the wall of
our abilities server people so
in addition to the jobs that
are lost in the industry. There
are the- unintended
consequences of the jobs and
the services that are lost upon
the people Kern county. Miss
Lifquist I'm gonna go on for
awhile so you. Unless you are
making a point Sir I would like
to make a comment I think
there's a question mark on the
twenty twenty assessments I
think there would be a-
crucial. By twenty one twenty
twenty one thank you Sir.
That's what thank you. And the
timing of when these decisions
made. At it can't be. Our
October first. Twenty twenty
that we're trying to be ready
to go on and January one twenty
twenty one. They the critical
path to get to that decision
about what rigs are up and what
consequences are what jobs are
there. That is months in
anticipation for that. So I
would like to find a way. For
you to tell me if this is
possible. In the next sixty
days what information do you
need from us. To tell you to
prove to you absolutely
guaranteed to you. So that you
make a decision. To open up the
floodgates on those. Propria
drilling. Thank you- again the
clarify- the actions taken by
the governor and our agency are
not about- shutting down a
domestic production. Or an
attack on curry county we
recognize important in state-
oil production- we are working
very rigorously with operators
are impacted. Who have
submitted a notice of intent
applications to process them as
soon as possible now we are
currently- awaiting some
additional data from operators.
The validate- some of the subs
are modeling so that we can
issue permits till that time-
what I did is provided in a
public document is created.
From the national labs to
outline how they see. Me to
fix. Perspective and a third
party review we are on hold
until. But we arvin meat in
talking daily- to. Advance that
an issue to get to that
deadline. Very soon at remember
I'm not being antagonistic with
you but it's my job advocate
for my people you represent a
governor who is immensely
powerful. What does he have to
do to motivate that lab to get
it done so we can move forward.
We are waiting on information
from operators. Bye bye with. I
assure you my the operators in
my county will jump through
hoops to give you that
information we are jumping
through hoops together and in
the okay. In that spirit of
transparency that is currently
where we are. Thank you in a
moment I'm asking questions of
some representatives of the
industry. And you can
anticipate. That question being
asked of you about how we how
we do that it is not just.
However the- at the recent M.
barrels action from twenty four
million- at. Five forty four
forty four and twenty four
million barrels down to a
hundred and fifty one that
isn't just because- a demand
or- issues in the industry that
a lot of that's because they
can't get. Mr drill and it's
harder and harder to do that
so. That's a US. Aspect so. So
what. What's typically the
youth you need. In order to be
able to forward so that so we
can try to meet a sixty. Or
heaven forbid even a ninety day
window to get this resolved.
Again we should be clear that
we are issuing drilling permits
every week are they not
significantly less than they
were we are talking about. Two
hundred well similis proximity
to one is sixty well
stimulation permits in fifty
nine cyclic steam injection
permits out of the- out of the
more than eight dollars. Ellen
just second I want to be
respectful to them I need them
to be our partner I don't want
to be rude I don't wanna shout
out through the room they took
the time to be here and believe
me we're gonna Krillin. But you
need to let us do that and not
shout over them okay. Mister
Mister our- deck which I'm
sorry that's first name but
what would you proceed Mr into.
Thank you- no we- the specific
number of permits that are
impacted. Again our fifty nine.
Permits related the cyclic
steam injection and two hundred
sixty related to well
stimulation. Less than 3% of
perversity issued. Are issuing
Hey other it is that our by the
scope of the moratorium in that
meet all of our statutory
requirements we have not
stopped issuing permits that is
a misconception of that's- the
belief. Okay thank you I
appreciate I like this couple
questions of the industry I
don't know. I should ask them
of who wants to. Stand at the
podium in later does get warm.
Christina Kathy are either of
you comfortable with that role.
Please refer to my regulatory
affairs absolutely yes. When
you come down can you state
your name for the record please.
Good afternoon my name is
Lauren Gentilly. L. A. U. R. E.
N. G. E. N. T. I. L. E. and I
and the and the regulatory
affairs manager at your energy
okay. Megyn Kelly thank. Been
willing to answer some
questions- there is a concern
at the state level that the
industry needs to give them
information are you aware of-
any information in there and it
is that something you're aware
of at the moment. There are two
matters. At hand so the first
matter is high pressure like
like steam. Our energy is not
in receipt of any information
requests on permits in that
matter. The second matter is
WSTR well stimulation also
called fact permits. On
December twenty seventh- err
energy is in receipt of a
request for a technical memo.
We plan on somebody that and by
the end of January. Air energy
is in receipt of- the last WC
permit that was- approved by
dagr and that was June twenty
eight the there is a gap in
information request between
June twenty eighth and December
twenty seventh. Thank you
laughs a couple more questions
for it and so is there anything
this board can do to enable or
facilitate a more direct line
if you mission so. That Mr and
took I can we believe as a man
of integrity and you I believe
is a person of integrity you
may see something differently
how how how what can we do to
help you communicate. So that
we can. A real time. You know
cooperation and communication
with you guys. I when I was yes
members of you'd rather that's
a view. I'm at a timely
information requests- would be
appreciated so- on. November
nineteenth the moratorium was
issued and eight weeks later
being noticed operators
clarifying the moratorium was
issued there is about a two
month gap. Where operators
didn't have any vacation of
about what was meant or
intended by the moratorium-
expediting communications would
be appreciated. Thank you at
I'm not trying to separate you
but are there any other
operator representatives that
want to speak to this as well.
I somebody's rising behind you.
It is you can stay up if you
want to feel like you the way.
Yeah come on Lawrence Taylor
when we are in a second. Can
you give your name again please
yes Megan Silva and I'm with
berry corporation- so I would
say- I actually think your
numbers are correct- on the
permits that are actually being
held- based on the moratorium
and W. S. T. E. the one point I
do want to make. Is that. Leave
at the. When a moratorium or an
announcement like this comes
out it puts pressure on the
entire agency and the whole
process has slowed down so
abandonment permits slow down
new drill permits have slowed
down all of that and- its
impact the whole lifecycle of
permitting- the woman asked I
would have is it seems that the
requirements change on. So that
was ripped to it and Parma and
be approved project area. Has
now changed additional
information is needed and when
that happens we can't deliver
on our business plans and so we
need consistent regulations
expectations I need to be very
clear up front and I know this
industry will step up and give
you the information you need
but we cannot continue to the
changes. I need I met between
agencies so the water board
Callie PA cal jam all working
together so Serena was what we
need to deliver to you. Mr into
into the on your side to help.
I think we- we're in agreement
and it Florida's correct
there's two separate issues the
well simulation permits and the
cyclic steam- above- frac
radians those are two separate
issues that we're working on-
and those are the numbers that
we know we agree on they are
yeah we have made progress. I
have a chronic filing we've
gone paperless to accept that
process we do have a new IT
system call well sar that is a
online and operational- but we
are going to continue and you
have my can to continue. Other
this information and- three
show up and back out. His boss
was use it to make permanent
decisions and- forward pass
more torn thank you Mr into
could you clarify for me does
one permit pick one one well or
does one arm and he will a
number of wells no this is not
necessarily one one
corporation- you could have a
first single well two or three
minutes a drilling permit.
Relation primary work permit
the panel plans site well just
Manisha cycle of drilling so
you know it's not necessary.
Direct correlation of one it's
you can be more you want and
larger okay. I've Mike five my
colleagues no that I go on
sometimes so I I've forgive me
please I got a little further
more to go head but- I want to.
A sure eight we- the fact the
fat. Hundreds of thousands of
people who are caught in the
cross hairs here so we fully
expect that industry will be
responsive. And in in
completely responsible and
responding as soon as possible
and we fully expect that the-
agency will do the same and if
either of you have- concerts
that is not occurring tell us.
We will directly. Interact with
whoever isn't being Bonser.
Like the industry. Like the
agency Telesat because we'll do
what we can do to help with
that. The for the for the
industry what. Come what what
would you like to see different
tomorrow after we had this
hearing today. I don't believe
so I don't know who they have
Gordon on and really you are
Sir. Industry goal is to have
regulatory certainty and clear
path forward with executable
stacks each step of the way- to
receiving. That permits that we
need to continue training. This
destruction starting and- early
July okay the return to the
pace- that we have been working
at pre July. Okay so at
communicating those exactly
with industry needs to you guys
and you guys telling what you
need to get that done that's
that's Havilah I didn't mean to
be rude to the German I'm sorry
that I can't see as good as
he's tonight I don't know who
you are. We stood up but it's
the there's right. Whether not
even speak its not mine I'm-
one of. I've that that person
over there is the one who
decides that so. Okay I I'm I'm
a move on the on this letter
speaking maybe I'll have more
to say in a minute but but it
is- the consequence to these
families- it isn't just someone
losing a job- the they're not
gonna take a transitional job
if they have to demand in their
home. To make eighty five
thousand dollars a year they
can't take a forty thousand
dollar your job they're gonna
move to another field in
another state and those people
don't live here anymore. And
that means property taxes go
down for us that in school
eighty A. as Mister Clark
pointed out goes down there are
ripple effects to that so those
those transitional jobs are not
there so what what I- it means
moms and dads to both work.
After more than one. And the
kids. The help because their
mom that's something the
committee so they relied upon.
They had a- in a- certain. But
isn't that kind of money so. I
don't Hey this to be compatible
with you I don't say to
trivialize it but I can only
see this decision as arbitrary
it is making a statement it is
making a point and that
statement or point comes with
real consequences to tens of
thousands of people that we
love and our neighbors so we
can not allow that statement to
be done arbitrarily with.
Thinking through the
consequences of it so it if it
is the case that that at a time
in the future there is no oil
and gas industry in Kern county
it is moral ofsomeone in
Sacramento or someplace else to
make a decision like that that
doesn't show me a way to let
the people I love it- land
safely as the as that crashes
to the ground. That must be
done it is the it is a moral
instability of those it makes
its decisions. If it's. This is
a disrespect what I only see
that as arbiters somebody this.
That's how it's going to be and
then without dealing with all
those consequences so. That's
why we I assure you we will
this is not a threat who might.
At first of all I don't
threaten threatened but who I
don't mean that in the
slightest you but we must be
creative and how we try to
preserve this. Because the
there is a very significant
difference in how how we view
it but I'm grateful that you've
come today- I since your spirit
of cooperation I completely
believe. Your sincerity and I'm
confident that you will convey
the governor this is the end of
the seriousness of our concerns
so. Be before I turn of the
Mike the needs anything I was
video thank you for asking- no
I. Say no I. The words of this
just happened and you know we
obviously disagree the premise
that it was arbitrary- we want
to get this done we want to get
it done right and as I said and
some of the meetings that we've
had the last couple days- we
will let. People we will not
act a silly. Get this right or
not at this rate with industry.
Back here a year two or three
from now- having. Acted in
haste and without enough
information to where we put
ourselves back in a situation
the public is demanding answers
to- the issues that that that
may arise I. Want to get it
right- we want to stability
into this industry and we want
to make it. Stable long term
and we build around this
economy- in this industry as we
as we were again diversify they
realize. On the overall. Thank
you for that the fact that I'm
not gonna wait a year or two or
three in in a month or two or
three we're gonna ask to have
another one of these to see how
we're doing. I'm sure that my
colleagues will do the same I.
Move quickly I'm not they were
going to take a year to we
don't want to be back here a
year to have. Act after I mean
I. He's the- I got right. I
appreciate that. I feel the
floor. Can you speak again if
it if it's appropriate. Thank
you for your eloquent remarks.
She was a Gleason Europe to
follow thank you Mike. Okay I
got something to say I don't
want to be dead horse but I do
want to- talk about some things
maybe off the perspective that
may be- considering I I've sat
here and listened. And at the
your goal that you keep talking
about is- climate change is
focused on climate change and
my goal when it comes to oil
production is national security
and the two don't match in my
mind and so I'd like to go off
on that I like talk a little
bit about that and offer
perspective and justify some of
the images that- supervisor
Scrivner put up that I think
are valuable I think that. In
September Erskine in California
both. What we- and when we-
come back. Okay then there are
the facts about the river
reverberate throughout the
entire country need to be
careful of when we begin a
course of action. So first of
all thanks CEQA we appreciate-
German being here- it's a
signal from the governor that-
he's going to send some folks
down here- I like thank all the
speakers. I thank- the
proponents the advocates for-
Kern county proponents for-
many changes in our oil
industry and I like this to
thank all the people who we are
just because of current
counting- in the so thanks. For
being here. This act up super
thanks a lot for your
leadership and getting the-
ball rolling on getting this
coalesced into a course of
action and hopefully we can
produce some positive- results
and we- begin. To collaborate
in the full way to achieve.
Whatever I achieve this I'm not
clear at all and what we're
trying to do I don't understand
it. I thank here in is not
stabilizing Mister Williams is
not stabilizing the oil
industry would you just talked
about I think we're here to
dismantle the oil industry and-
that's a different. Different
than stabilizing. I do believe
that- so I don't beat a dead
horse but I want to get their
perspective I think- national
security is one of those things
you know I represents mon a lot
of current- Bakersfield. But I
also represent eastern. Knees
current is a leader in national
defense we have a- amid a two
military bases out there that
specialize in. Up of how war
fighters with the best possible
can have so that they can- and
the best possible possible
weapons so that they can- they
can manage. Their affairs in a
way that is most advantageous.
Having that already a current
leave the leaders it is because
we do provide that. One of the
things for us. Please arvin now
global stages- oil if you look
back in history axe past your
since nineteen seventy nine the
Iranians took Bahasa every all
every single. A political-
analysis or understanding all
the your politics involved with
decisions made by our higher
ups and pending on in
throughout the military
structure. But I can tell yes
hello the your political briefs
sitting down Bob in and in the
Persian Gulf to understand the
importance and the value of
maintaining free passes to the
straits of Hormuz. And I
understand why who died trying
to maintain safe passage the
straits of Hormuz for years
because of our dependence. On
for on the free the- on oil and
the logistics of oil and as it
being identified as a key vital
interest the United States. You
know you get the other burning
the oil fields in Kuwait when-
dead during desert storm when-
Sadam let those boil fees on
fire was strategic that he let
the oil fields on fire not just
the clouds guys who couldn't
see anything but because- he
was making. It into the world.
A you. The reason we wanna
doesn't stop. Because of Kuwait
because of their oil producing
capability. You look today the
way the- the structure of a
random military defense.
Structure of a rant is set up.
Precisely to attack the straits
of what. Goes into disrupt oil
for. Oil is the key ingredient
is get my main economic driver
of our- globe. Is of the of a
vital interest the United
States where we go in
maintaining its free flow and-
and- how we go about their
current county. Nicole first
step in building a to maintain
that national stage. Recent
events in the past couple weeks
you saw the present with you
like or not you saw him a move
in a way and do things in a way
that maybe ten years ago we
couldn't do because of his
ability to his understanding
that we are leaders in not we
are independent. In oil and we
are leaders in the movement of
oil not only are we free to
make decisions that we oil
independent energy independent
but also other countries from
the globe are now relying on us
and the two to cater to show
favor to us in certain ways
that they did for because as
we've achieved. Nash pendants
on and it's not just oil all
about possibly Alsop fields but
liked. About when powers.
Postings yeah I drove here
today I drive to the anyone who
lives in the desert drive to
death. It is changed Kern
county has led the way in-
energy in in in and energy
management throughout
California will continue to do
that collaborate with all
agencies. Providing that that
balance that you talked about
and we are we are eager to
embrace that in eager to
changing eager to make
contributions. To make our old
a safer place make our global
health your place take care
Mother Earth create a better
environment. We're all about
that we're leading the charge.
But to say that we need to
shut. Oil industries by twenty
forty five. To me it just does
it just is not making sense or
to curtail our production so
significantly that we're going
to significantly damage Kern
county our economy our people
our culture our way of life. In
order to achieve an objective
that I don't know what. Global
a climate change what impact
California is going to have we
shut down oil all over. You
know what what is the net
effect. Your here in this
county we've changed creek
Connie's change we've embraced
a whole new management system
where we are- bracing lean six
sigma what we teach our
employees is to say okay. It's
okay to change its okay to make
adjustments in the way you do
things but whatever just what
you need to do. To make your
job a job a more efficient and
make the customer happy you got
to be able to measure. So my
question to you Alsop you
Mister Williams is you talked.
Earlier about a cabin for
eagles. And you mentioned a
stabilizing. The oil industry
and I'd like to know from you
if you could. Take a minute to
explain to me exactly precisely
what. How we're going to
measure the successive we'd if
we destroy. The current county-
economy because I believe this
is going to have. Significant
impact maybe destroys too
strong maybe it's not. But you
have significant impact on our
ability to live a lifestyle
down here what measurable
positive impact gonna have
created by doing that. Well the
state has already set. A
statutory targets that were
required to meet- in terms of
our climate goals- those are
clear and lay down statues in
terms of our reduction on-
emissions and reliance on on
fossil fuels that result. That
can result in those emissions.
And so but you know the values
that- this administration-
reflexes is first of all the
state law- and- the desire for
California to- participate but
not just participate but leave
the way and ensuring that- we
have an impact around the world
on I'm a change. Right that one
could you I'm sorry I'm from I
typically interrupted right
either I hear I hear I lived in
mass. Everything's coming out
of like I hear that too but- do
you explain to me what is I'm I
don't know it's not that what
is that what what are we trying
to what are we going to
achieve. By by this this just
transition that we talked about
of reducing our oil production
hearing Kerr county what we
gonna cheat on the global
scale. What percentage or what
how's that can translate to
success. Global climate change.
Well I'm not sure if you're-
asking me to reflect on- what
have already been
international. Treaties and
agreements on- targets for
reduction of fossil fuels and
reduction in greenhouse gases-
and- the- temperature of the
climate that that. Creates I'm
not gonna get into like what
the specific targets are but-
what I can say is that we
understand that. While we
contribute to that and we may
agree to disagree on whether
we- to what degree- human-
activities contribute to a
global climate change- the fact
of the matter is to your second
part of your question which is
what are we doing. What are we
doing to ensure that as we
migrate to a clean energy
future we are making sure that
we are only protecting and care
folks who are working in those
jobs now. Bill Connery that
include is closer of those and
the generations that follow on
and so that's I think is
imperative we can sit here and
argue about. What our gets a
percentage we should get to
that is a comes down the jobs
in the- all we get that. Walk
and chew gum at the same time I
think and that's what we have
to do and you know that's
that's what we're here to talk
about that's the partnership
that we want to have with you-
we again and I've said it over
and over again- see the value
and- the- essential.
Contributions at this county
makes to the state and national
economy we want to continue
that we want to be a partner
with you on making sure we get
there. Thank Xochitl.
Appreciate a Mister your
browsing. I get the right a
close what else are you. You
talk Sir about a the thank you
very much miss too if you
comments I really do appreciate
them- my safes are lazy and you
talk about it just transition.
I'm not sure I understand what
that is could you describe this
just transition and how long
will it. Well I think. Williams
getting a- good start to a-
fonts to your question which
is- California as an
opportunity to lead in the
space of transitioning to a
carbon neutral economy and
addressed I just transition is
making sure that. That we are
able to continue to keep jobs
in communities and- jobs that
help support those community as
as we move into other
industries and forms of energy
production and other works of
it. Ali that sounds they're
leaving people out you said you
said that I heard you could you
give me an example of that
could you give me some
granularity to that because rom
set his words and I'm going to
have a little more
understanding of what those
words mean and how can I help
shape because words if that's
what it takes. I think is
happening here. Many today. Are
moving into alternatives Gee
it's great. It opportunities in
sequestering carbon which would
create more jobs- and that
currently is balanced with with
the oil production that's in
your county so that's that's a
you're in a transition period
you're creating jobs you may in
some point in the future lose
jobs that's that's the balance
that's an example one balanced
that I could I could give you.
Thank if it's if question of
some Marty the oil industry is
a potter partner with you in
how you achieve this balance in
the Senate you bounce then.
Back in a little for potters.
Three years check that three
of. But I'm not sure they're
they're feeling the love that
you seem to be suggesting that
you are offering. I said that
right. Thank you Sir appreciate
it but we but but I do this is
a- opening salvo in an open
conversation and I sincerely
and- I'm confused quite frankly
German because I don't see it I
just don't understand how you
can prioritize of the this this
transition is talking about
when we have such we've
achieved such great things in
the oil independence as a
nation. And the use of that
achievement is making through
the- political stop I just see
I'm giving off I don't see that
what we're doing is making any
sense. And I want to and I
wanna working despite that I'm
I'm still eager to work with
you and to help. And offer my
contributions if you ever want
to. And listen to yours
anything district one can do.
I'm there to relay. I guess my
biggest issue here is- I
disagree with the fundamental
premise of what we're doing the
politics of it I don't. I can't
get my wrap my head around it I
don't believe that global che I
global change is important to
me is everybody. Yeah I wanna
cleaner planet I want to clear
place someone better air I
want. To take our safe place
for my kids and my grandkids.
But not at the expense of- the
quality of life that is offered
by of the people live in
contribute new oil industry so-
I'm a wrap things up thank god
one let you know our stand. I'm
here to help you I'm here to
offer my support the way and
I'm here to. My peers also.
Thank you very much. Make thank
you. Make thank you supervisor.
Thank you- thank you I'm gonna
be pretty quick but only read
some courses or think refer
coming today I wanna thank. And
so- I agree with the sentiments
and the comments by my fellow
supervisors. I know the answers
of the questions I'm asking I'm
asking anyway because I want
other people to hear the answer
but I. And I don't know the
answers to some of the
questions of. But Chris
Williams. When ashe request.
I'm a start. But I'm gonna be
all over the place. The job
Delano it's in on various
things. You mentioned the law
would go the administration is
trying to comply with. Which
law. What what exactly were you
this is this is ABC thirty two
source for yeah. So we're in
search of a policy to help them
implement the law the one thing
that we always leave off the
table is that maybe the law is
a perfect. And. I know. I know
that there are certain laws
there's almost sacrosanct no
one wants to touch them but- I
don't know that we leave off
the table afterall- we have
four representatives here to go
to subway everyday and they
create law. The college the
might not agree with them that
debate doesn't need to be
willing to foreclose the
opportunity for that for that
discussion I don't believe. I
wanted I want to push back a
little bit like super
resolution did on the idea of
managing decline. As technology
improves I am told that there
is more oil in the ground. In
Kern county. Now. This bill re
produced that has been produced
to date potentially. So I don't
believe this decline as
technology improves is imminent
by any means ends. I think we
are I think the administration
may be boxing itself into a
position that it. Based on
based on potentially not having
all the facts about the
technology that may be
available to be becoming. And I
want him are you I think this
is a problem we have we are all
ticks and in public life. To
not your position the you
cannot move off of and to
implore the governor to not
take a position that he cannot
not move off of. I know he's a
much more reports. I am but I
just think that it needs to be
said that- I think I understand
what he's I think I understand
what he's doing. I think I
understand why- I would go with
why that is on the so I'm- the
self proclaimed cynic on the
board so you know. But I pour
you to pass that along. Serve
resume ever tried to drill down
this you believe but let's
assume you had all the
information from the operators
you need. How long will it
take. For that for the study to
be done. Senator Truxtun thank
you it would take days and
weeks to move forward on the
process but based on the
science will determine when the
study will be complete but we
can move forward because
specifically on a well
stimulation is a permit my
permit review so there are
permits it could be issued- as
soon as we have the it needs to
go to this to the lab each
permit for the for. The study
will allow you to.
Determinations on each
individual permit will we be
able to get the a science
based- assessment done by the
labs the woman former
permitting the our age you will
continue to be that this a
decision maker. On issuing
permits not the national. But
we will be relying on their
scientific findings and their
public reporting that they will
provide. But it it is it is we
are as soon as we have that
information we can. Continue to
move forward. Does the
administration consider natural
gas to be. Clean energy. It
was. We have. You you will we
will get back to you on that. I
mean if you if you're trying to
make a pointyou've made it and
we can answer next what used to
be considered clean energy by
environmentalists yeah. And the
important the in and
governments like this to move
in that direction and that's
happened. And now it's
considered by many not to be on
I'm just curious. If you need
to get back to me that that's
okay but I'm just curious where
the administration is on. That.
We I didn't do it I didn't
honestly do using that's that's
a requirement Faisal fuel so.
Yeah I'm sorry civilization is
a goal of reducing its reliance
on false magician reliance on
fossil fuels. I'm well I did
start a question is sort of in
that one is it safe for does
the administration believe it
is safer for the environment to
produce oil locally. Or to
import for oil. In as a general
rule. It have a study that
what's that have a have a study.
We did a Biggie I are the
industry pay told forty million
dollars for it studying
production and during
mitigation measures. I don't
know if there's been any
environmental work done. On
what's been what's been
implemented so for by the by
the governor's briefly. That is
one of the exact topics that
will be studied by the cal EPA
carbon traveling studies on the
supply side they're looking at
the foreign oil imports and
domestic production. And we'll
come back with. Technical and
modern assessment. Aligned with
the carving- but good
greenhouse gas goals is that is
different from the- the labs
that are different that is this
separate research focused on
long term planning- outside of
our our agency has that story
by- the final- the scoping
documents out- tomorrow's the
final day for. The common
response the county has already
responded and written comments
to that. Get everything in that
study to make sure we can
answer questions and when do
you anticipate that the final
report will be done. I don't
have I don't have the other day
of the week of the month or
with the day of the month we
would have to get back and
that's not it's not a report- I
don't know if you get they're
still find that you Pete Kelly
Pete still finalizing that the
scope of works so it's hard to
say when the staff. Actually
Darden. Time line is for.
Include a step for
consideration of the net your
your vacations. I'm happy to
connect you with Kelly PA
whose- okay determining the
scoping of that study in the
time line for completion. If.
If I'm a supervisor catch the
chair of the scope of the study
is attached to your board
package. The actual Sicko from
Helly P. as it a look at it
real quick here. Have your
console to the- I'll just call
the current oil and gas your
review that. At even even the
even the executive summary of I
have reviewed in detail yes. Is
it being used at all in
conjunction with any of these
other studies. I would say no-
not that I'm aware of we do
rely on it for our permitting
every day- here in the county-
because that. Makes the county
lead agency are CEQA and that
was- you know we're relying on
the county's expertise and
doing an evaluation would be
permitted because- could we ask
that that be with that document
and those mitigation measures
and- what was that if there be
included. I don't see why not.
Yeah I don't see why not
awakened to. Ready to but.
Manager can I recognize miss
Oviatt please. Thank you of
zero catch the chair was your
question what with the current
E. I. R. be a resource for UC
Santa Barbara in the Kelly PA
study your question. I have
made that request in to comment
letters I also note that the
scope of work was attached does
say minimize impacts before
beyond our borders and our and
borders are capitalized
whatever that means. Minimize
emissions leakage next no cost
beyond its borders to the
maximum extent possible so that
I would assume that's not just
for an oil that's also
probably- of imports from
Wyoming to. It's put here could
this cal PA's BPA free does
have in the scope the very
questions that you're asking.
Was it the surface expression
in the summer twelve field that
prompted the got the
government's attention prompted
his actions. With at the start
of this. Yes. Yes yes yes. We
well I have to say and I think
to make people McKittrick would
agree with me- which is what
several field is if you were to
have a surface expression
anywhere in the world. That is
probably the per have one. As
far as safety. For and people-
Nelly workers- but the people
that live in the area that's-
as to my knowledge there has
been could you give us an
update on that it's my is my
understanding that it's been
completely cleaned up. The even
the oil that was. I don't know
for what we call it the was
expressed on the service has
been refined. Remove from the
from removing the site and is
refine yes we were out there
last week a chevron and they
are here may be able to give a
more. Detailed response but- it
was the largest- such surface
expression in California
history- it did create safety
hazards for- the personnel who
were cleaning up the facility
had to take. Numerous
precautions of equipment
personal protective equipment-
respirators it had to be- lines
attached make sure that someone
and slip or fall or potentially
see can. Slip in there- they're
also word number animals are
were caught. In the-
expression- I'm not sure where
the disposal of the- soil and-
camisole in and went if it was
produced. Or not- I know there
were some production associated
that was re used but I'm not
I'm not clear the percent. Of
how much thank you- and we have
been working diligently with
chevron- on a remedial plan for
the Simurq field. To de
energized the field to make
sure that there's not. The
subsurface pressure to- have
any energy. Hi energy based
service expression happening
again and so we are- working
together right now and have-
weekly updates and meetings.
With them about- cemex I don't.
Know if. Richard ability wanna
come up and say the more detail
because this is a very specific
shower on it I've been there.
And I've seen it and so I'm I
appreciate that but I don't. If
they'd like to look at your-
recognize them if they if they
have a- desire to do that. I
would- round out my- comments.
By saying I brit rivers of the
fourth district occur county
and it is made up of much of-
the oil fields not all but- but
a lot of it it is also made up
of many many disadvantaged
communities as defined by. The
state. Iran's. I don't see the
right hand doesn't know the
letter was doing I work with
that in the those terms but- I
think there needs to be a
broader look at what's-
different departments may be
doing. And they're not working
but maybe working at cross
purposes to each other for
example I think the- a few
years ago one of the big.
Issues that cropped up as we-
and not that it's a bad thing
but we need to identify
disadvantaged communities and a
lot of funding now flows to
disadvantaged communities. We
also obviously the number one
issue I think on the governor's
mind yeah everyone's is
homelessness. The actions if.
The actions not just on the.
The steam permits in the well
stimulation permits but- a
manage decline of the oil
industry I think can have a
devastating impact on. The very
communities that are now being
described as disadvantaged. And
your career it can create even
more homeless. May the people
work in the in the- oil fields
are not- I mean the average
salary is eighty one thousand
that means the low salaries for
less than that and- there are
getting richer cerulean that
they hope to provide for their
families and they hope to get
promoted. Get raises in and do
better and so I would just hope
that we keep in mind that. I'm
sure in Sacramento this happens
all the time you've got certain
people are working on one thing
and other people that. They're
doing something and they're
they're they're not necessarily
working towards the same goal
not all the horses and up on
the same direction. I would
think Mr- zero min for his
comments was I thought they
were but they were. They're
right on and lastly maybe not
Leslie but I want to mention-
can you comment. On unless
Clark's question about the body
a B. ten fifty seven. Yes there
there have been- an increase in
bonding requirements- but
they're also has been an
increase in authority given to
the supervisor on meeting those
requirements- we actually had a
meeting earlier today with
independent operators. Talking
about- means of compliance such
as pooled insurance where
multiple companies can work
together and mitigating Rhys-
in evaluating that not every
company is the same whether you
have- sixteen wells are fifty
wells you have different levels
of Rhys- but we do want to
ensure that- assets are cleaned
up afterwards and- restored. To
their their previous state.
Hello all around this out with-
this comment and that is we are
currently in the fourth year. I
guess with second half of the
fourth year of our. A for your
budget mitigation plan this is
important oil is to Kerr county.
And this doesn't even talk
about the impact to the people
that are employed in the oil
industry I'm just talking right
now about the impact to county
government. Four years ago the
press will took a big drop and
we suffered. Frazier cells with
with a huge budget deficit our
team over here CA- in his team
came up with a for your budget
mitigation plan but it was an
extremely painful process. And
we're still not done going
through that. Mr also can you
comment we were at what what is
the what percent of revenues
is- projects were producing
properties right now is it 16%
Used to be thirty two yeah
through the chair of supervisor
that sounds about right. Oil
oil and gas is about nine
point. Nine point one billion
almost ten billion dollar
contributions economic
contribution to carry. So has
wide thank you between. That
happening to us in twenty
fifteen. And this predates me
most of us here on the board.
The financial crisis of two
thousand nine there are
employees of the county that
haven't had a raise in.
Probably ten years. Ends this
is. If we're managing decline
in our one of our our major
assets are major employers we
have a major problem just
retaining people just putting
there are several the guys in
uniform back you're just
keeping those those types of
people on the street and
keeping them employed with.
With benefits that will keep
them around we have a big big
problem doing that not to
mention just. Every other type
of employer that we've got but
the specifically are our public
safety employees which are are
vital to a site I think. I
would impress upon you how
important that is to. To our
budget and important news
employees are to us and we have
not been in a position to do
much for them. And that doesn't
even begin to talk about. The
impact that the- the this these
these- actions. Can have on all
the families that we represent
the represented here today.
Think about German but thank
you very much supervisor couch
we're gonna move out right
along because we are
significantly behind schedule I
apologize for that- but-
certainly lots of good
information has come forth and
been conveyed in was so
appreciate your patience. We're
gonna move here to hear from of
folks in the community that ask
for some time to be able to
present to. The governor's
staff- I would acid we all
please try to be respectful to
each other we will have
disagreements here but it is
most fruitful when we listen
and learn from each other. And
I think- fairness requires us
to listen to all perspectives
so we are not moving to public
comment yet I'm sorry. We will.
Gotcha gotcha it's gonna be
awhile for public comment so
can I ask Ingrid rostrum
assistant director center on
race poverty the environment to
please come down and I
understand you have some slides
and some information you like
to present welcome and thank
you for being here the floor is
yours
. We have some slight I
guess I'm just waiting for them
to pop up. In the meantime I
say that- my name is in Boston
I'm with the center on race
Paganini environment and we do
have a slide presentation and-
so I will be joined by a couple
of associates to take over.
Explanation of a couple of the
flight okay I think I'll let
them introduce themselves. When
that time comes
. Great so we.
I'm with the center on race
Pacini environment it's an
environmental justice group.
Based in Delano California and
a we work with many different
community groups in Kern county
om and one of the main issues
that residents are concerned
about is the health and safety
impacts of the oil and gas
industry- I'm also part of an
organ and a new coalition
called voices and solidarity.
Against oil in neighborhoods
and this is a collaborative
effort- with many groups based
in Kern- the Central Valley and
Los Angeles where most of the
impacts are felt- and were
working out the coalition to
address the health and safety-
of residents. In your proximity
to oil and gas. I'm before I
get to the first slide I did
very quickly want to address
process here. We expected to be
given equal time as- the
industry- and we've been told
we have fifteen minutes
presented so I believe I must
have misunderstood- but I do
believe as we embark on this
process- that there needs to be
equal space for all
stakeholders- especially-
stakeholders from Kern county-
and unfortunately we had. Many
many residents sitting- in the
backup of rose and outside on
there were unpaid and took
their time to be here today and
unfortunately most of them have
had to leave on they very much
wanted to address this board on
this important issue on and are
very disappointed- that they
were not able to get that
chance Ingrid the- referral
from the board. Of involving
economic impacts to Kern
county- so that these gentlemen
can take that message back to
the governor that was the
referral it was voted on by
this board and we have extended
an opportunity to hear from you
because we believe I believe
that's fair but the referral
was really about economic
impact and reality Kern county
and- books that have to manage
the money. Or dealing with
several of yeah I am I hear
from you you do have fifteen
minutes and we need to move so
please get started alright. So
mom Gorman just. I'm is not
only by mental health. I is
about our economic justice as
well we care very much about
the economic prosperity of Kern
county and the economic
prosperity of the family
residents who live here and so
I want to start off by saying
we have shared objective here
we may have different of
opinion on how to get there.
But at the core what we want is
we want a thriving and
prosperous local economy in
Kern county we want good well
paying save jobs. We want
healthy places to live work
play and pray. And we want
increased investment state
investment to current county to
help make things these things
possible. In so instead of
labeling people that might
disagree with the approach of
the oil and gas industry as
quote unquote environmental
extremists which I heard today.
I would hope that you could see
that we have shared objectives
and that there would be an open
mind- two different
perspectives on how we can
achieve these goals which I
submit everyone in this room
shares. So in terms of the
local economy the current
status I think is a good place
to start. So Kern county has
high unemployment and while it
has gone down as much of the
state has gone down on we
still. Are at six point 4%
which is much higher than the
California unemployment rate
which is currently sitting at
three point seven percent. At
the same time we have higher
rates of poverty Kern county is
at twenty two point 6% versus
the California rate at fifteen
point one. End we are trying to
maintain the status quo that's
what I heard today we are
trying. To keep on holding on
to our past and this is what
the past has gotten us. The
fact of the matter is current
county is non diverse it is
really heavily dependent on a
couple of resource extractive
economies. The world over.
Extractive non diverse
economies don't fare as well as
diverse not expected economies
and we have a real opportunity
in front of you. With state
investments being on the table
to really move into a new
direction. So. Looking at the
current economic situation. We
should say is this good enough
is good enough that we're
always lagging in the state in
terms are poverty rate and
unemployment rates and I would
venture to say no now that we
need to look for
diversification and we need to.
Make sure that we are actually
at the lead. Of the east at the
economy and making sure that
our families a prosperous here.
So this is a graph. I don't
think this should be a surprise
to anyone. But the oil field
production in California has
been decreasing since nineteen
eighty five pretty
consistently. So there's been
overall decrease by 56% and
that decline has been steady.
In in addition to this the
decline is projected to
continue to decrease- by an
additional 26% by twenty thirty.
So these figures is our
projections arm from a whisper
contracted report- in these
projections are based on
current conditions. And they
don't account for any new
regulatory- unexpected market
chefs so this is. Best case in
our this is your status quo a
declining market. And with and
why that is. We've heard
several- explanations but it
the reason is quite simple.
California crude is heavy. It
is difficult to extract. And so
while we have seen California
crude decrease at the same time
using increases in areas with
lighter cruise that includes
domestically and
internationally so it's not the
regulation that's not the
extremist environmentalist that
are causing these declines is
the natural resources that we
have in Kern county there's
nothing that this board can do
and there's nothing that the
state can do to change the
quality of California's crude.
That is something that we have
to work with. California's
crude. Because it's so heavy
not only means that it's more
expensive to extract. It also
means that it's the- dirtiest
crude and has the most climate
impact. So there's a lot of
reasons why we need to look at
California's crude arm in terms
of the overall market and the
expediency of trying to keep
drilling out to the last drop.
A given just pure economics
economics. No one at- shipped
over to the work force
trajectory these numbers again
come from a whisper contracted
to study. Ahmed I think we
heard some figures in the
hundreds of thousands this is
the extraction work for
Sturgis. Market segment so that
should account for most of the
upstream job that we see in
California and many of them
probably are in current still
it's a far cry from the
hundreds of thousands that are
quoted and mind you know
hundreds of thousands. They
include gas station retail
attendance which you know
person I think is a little
disingenuous so these are the
these are the numbers of jobs.
That we're really looking at.
And we can see even projecting
just to twenty twenty two.
There will be- an additional
drop. If the status quo remains
if the test Gorman we have to
plan for decreasing jobs no
matter what because of the
declining production California.
But there is some good news for
current. So you look at this
graph you say it there are
three buckets there's actually
four. At the very left of the
page there's a tiny blue sliver.
That's represent point 3% of
the workforce composition
upstream. Oil and gas the- the
upstream oil gas segment point
3% That represents workers
under the age of twenty two
that's a recent grads that's
your young. Population coming
into the workforce they are not
going to the oil and gas
segment they're not. The other
interesting thing to note about
this graph is over 77% of the
workforce is over the age of
thirty five. And over a quarter
of the workforce is over fifty
five. These numbers are
actually good news for Kerr
county because it means a
sizable percent of the work
force. Trent the workforce
transition needs can be offset
by older workers eventually
leaving the workforce now mind
you no one has ever said that.
You know oil and gas production
is gonna stop tomorrow it has
to be gradual have to be over
time has to be managed and have
to be planned. These
demographics are good for Kern
county. And just to put a finer
point on these figures. Here's
the trajectory. Of the
workforce composition so you
can see even since- twenty
thirteen to twenty fifteen you
see the number of new workers
young workers is decreasing at
the sametime that you see the
percentage over time of the
older workforce increasing as
well so this is just a show but
this is a movement across time.
Though can only expect to
continue. I'm not gonna turn it
over to my associate and if you
go. Hello everyone home members
of the board I my name is
Genevieve Gallen with the
Central Valley air quality
coalition. And I want to leave
in a thread that I feel has
been a little left out in the
conversation and try to bring
it back into the discussion and
that's one of public health.
And I valley communities here
in San Joaquin Valley
consistently consistently rank
as the most polluted
communities and the United
States. The American lung
association puts together a
state of the error report every
year using publicly available
available quality assure data
from air monitors across the
nation and the twenty nineteen
report found that Bakersfield
is ranked as the number one
most polluted metropolitan
area. In the United States for
fine particle pollution- Fresno
is number one so we're we're
right there with you guys. I
and so what is this fine
particle pollution it's really
fine particles in the air about
the size of a seller bacteria
that when inhaled cause an
array of respiratory ailments-
one can say that but what does
that really mean- I think what
it means is that the majority
of people in this room. And in
the atrium behind us have a
loved one with a chronic
respiratory disease I know I
do. And more so what that means
is that. We have we sat in
emergency room with our loved
one struggling to breathe. I
think most of us have been%
there and we know what this air
pollution means to our health
into our family. And what's so
scary about the fine particle
pollution is that so small it
can actually move my lungs into
our bloodstream. Constricting
are blocking blood flow to the
heart and the brain. And so a
CS you fret Fresno study
examines the relationship
between fine particle pollution
and hospital admissions across
the San Joaquin Valley. And
they found that as pollution
increased so did admissions for
childhood asthma attacks but
also because of that-
bloodstream connection.
Admissions for heart attacks
for adults also increased and
so there's that direct
connection between air
pollution. And respiratory
conditions and heart disease
and heart attack. And bring it
back to. But our current county
here one in thirty seven people
died of a chronic respiratory
disease between twenty thirteen
and twenty sixteen. That's a
rate thirteen times higher than
the rest of the state. As and
so why do we have so much
pollution here- well we do sit
at the bottom of one of the
most polluted air bases in the
nation so it does collect
however and activities here
play a part in the formation of
the pollution. And so looking
at state data- other facilities
so these are stationary sources
that we call in our world
facilities that emit ten tons
or more pollution the year
these emissions must be
reported to the California air
resources board. And then the
state agency puts that data
online in their online
pollution mapping tool. And if
you're looking in the San
Joaquin Valley of the
stationary sources roughly half
of that particle pollution is
coming from oil and gas
operations and that's largely
in Kern county- please note I'm
speaking of the stationary
sources and not mobile sources
so we cannot say oil and gas
emissions are the root cause.
Of our air pollution- but we
can say that an immense amount
of pollution is being produced
and directly emitted into when
mostpolluted areas in that in
that country into a community
already vulnerable to impacts.
I and that's apologize I and
this light here so again that's
the station the large
stationary sources in the
valley- and in addition to our
fine particle pollution there's
also a host of toxic air
contaminants that have been
associated with a certain oil
and gas process sees. For
instance benzene- has been
collected by some community air
monitors and communities fence
line to oil and gas fields and
there's no safe limit for and
seen it is a known carcinogen.
And it. The human body cannot
handle it- and so. I was about
to pass it back to Ingrid but-
you know we've been talking
about capital being reduced and
profits being reducing costs
increasing and that matters our
jobs matter the tax base
matters this is all really
important- but- I would also
like us to remember as I think
we already know. And the
lengths and quality of our
lives matter the capacity of
our children's lungs matter the
ability for my heart to go on
beating matters to me. And so I
hope that we can hold both the
economy and our daily life on
and public health equally in
mind and prioritize the both.
Thank you thank you Genevieve.
I do want to just make the
point that when we talk about
health impacts and water
impacts a we are talking about
economics as well- the
economics of school absenteeism
and healthcare and work
absenteeism is costing the
county quite a lot. I'm gonna
skip over water and pass it
over to my colleague Rosamond
thank you. Good evening. My
name is doctor also nice Marcia
nice to see everyone today nice
to see if you it's been a long
day I know. Thank you very much
for being here with us today.
I'm going to talk a little bit
about- setbacks in the health
impacts and the dollar impacts
of why this is so important.
And how we're using our our
land I am a gerontologist I
spent twenty two years as a
clinician. At a major hospital
in Pasadena. I moved here
because I was interested in
doing something different with
my retirement life. And I
wanted to take on a challenge
and I did and I came here. And
I always tell people that when
you moved to a different
community. You see the
community through a different
lens. And I have to say this is
one of the most welcoming
communities at I've been in.
And I continue to say is one of
the most welcoming communities
what puzzles me though. Is that
how we use our land and how we
set up. The organization
between our health care and our
oil and gas production and our
industry and transportation. Is
sometimes baffling. So it was
never really intend for people
to live here- and that's a
challenge. As a gerontologist
and as a medical professional
because we need to have space
between as my colleague just
mentioned. Between the
production and where people are
living. So we have looked at
the amount of set back use that
needs to happen and what is the
most safe level which we have
come to- from two different
studies to twenty five hundred
feet. Was someone agreed with
me. I'm gonna ask you please
don't do that that's not
helpful it isn't respectful and
it Kern county is better than
that so ma'am I'm gonna ask you
to wrap up because we have four
hundred fifty. Thank of the
nearly five and a half million
Californians who live within a
mile of oil and gas one third
live in areas with the highest
level of environmental
pollution in the state and 92%
of the Invid individuals. Are
people of color. We haven't
mentioned anything about that
we haven't talked about who
these people are that reside in
the small communities and we
need to take into
consideration. The health
impacts and the dollar amount
that it takes to keep people
safe to keep people healthy and
to keep people productive this
relates not only to our
residents but to our workers.
So thank you very much. You for
your passion and concern for
the county I want to quickly
conclude with some I think-
information that is very
relevant to the conversation
today. And that what that is
about what the future
opportunities for Kern county
one thing we know right that's
happening right now if there's
a younger demographic moving
to. Bakersfield and Kern county
driven by the high cost of.
Company ownership elsewhere so
we have a new kind of
population that's that's coming
to cantante which represents
and present opportunities.
Armed I have a computer that
they're a bit wise with the
fledgling- tech technology
industry- obviously Kern county
renewable energy solar and
wind- we have we need to look
at property taxes on new
emerging sectors. On there are
many exemptions- and- again I
think it was talked about soil
remediation and plugging and
abandoning wells are a good
sector especially for young
people that are moving here.
People moving back from I went
to college that live here and
are from here need to have. In
jobs and work forces- that are
meant for them and as I showed
you before it's not the oil and
gas industry and I will- just
conclude quickly what I
recommended next steps. On
which is to create a plan for
just transition and-
recognizing that we're all
stakeholders yes we want labor
yes we want energy sector when
someone community groups health
groups and local governments
and so when you ask. To create
a delegation and it excluded-
anybody from our side I think
that's a mistake we all want
the same things and a robust
dialogue he's more people and
more stake holders. On to the
state. We want significant
state investment hearing her
county it's going to bear the
brunt of the our a transition
which is coming the inevitable
transition that is coming and
we need the state to put some
dollars with math is. This
region is going to bear the
cost and yet we have a real
opportunity and so we want the
money coming here. And then
finally we need to undertake an
analysis of Kern county assets
and opportunities and again
that's a big conversation with
a lot of stake holders. Luzhin
the transition away from well I
guess it's a no. It's
happening. The choice before
Kern county. Is whether the to
plan for managed to climb. When
we caught off guard with an
unmanaged decline the decline
is happening. And secondly the
big point Kern county has an
opportunity right now there are
hundreds of millions of dollars
set aside. For investment in
regions that are gonna be
impacted income coming need to
be in the front of the line. So
instead of opposition we need
to be working together with the
state with the all the
stakeholders. Thank you Ingrid
thank you can I have my one of
my colleagues has a question
for you yes. Exact Scrivner
really I think you for your-
comments I had a question for
you. When you're talking about
current county crude and how
heavy it is and that's why the
decline is been happening which
is what I've heard. I saw a
letter head shaking no among.
Oil exacts so are you a
geologist or an engineer that
has expertise in the oil
industry. No my sources are
actually industry papers and
articles. I that's where I got
that information was a lot of
industry- not a factual to
reports in terms of why. A
California production is so. So
much in the client well maybe
when the folks come out they be
able to address that because
I'm I'm curious about that is
because that's what I've- I've-
you have. Got a- and- it
information in effect as of Oct
recap. Of are you from the
Central African county. If
you're I moved. Hey because of
the- health impacts. By the one
is a- as the director for a
single and. If you would
please- make your way. To the
podium this is- technically
under a public comment period-
and so we're- trying to be
mindful. And I know that- you
appreciate that more than most
so. Senator welcome. It's nice
to see you nice to see you too.
Thank you very much north your
name is Shannon grow S. H. A.
in in- in and Grove is like
orange Grove G. R. O. V. E. I
know that we're short on time
and I do appreciate the
opportunity to make comments
here. Like to think the board
of supervisors for- putting
this on Zach for your
leadership purse supervisor
Scrivner for his leadership-
I'd like to not continue to
echo all the comments that were
stated buyer. Industry
executives. And people that
actually- have a and ability to
talk outside. That are wanting
to come in and share their
stories as well. I do want to
share some things though.
Personally briefly. At the back
of my car is also always filthy
dirty the sides of the French
are spotless and clean but the
back of my car is filthy dirty
in the reason why is because I
drive one and a half miles off
of. Portable highway. Into an
oil field rig oil filled in
order to get to my residence
where a lot of individuals
live. Out there- our families
healthy and we're healthy. I'd
also like to let you know that
thirty nine million.
Californians wake up every
morning and they benefit from
this oil industry. We're not
just talking about feels in our
cars were talking about plastic
on electric cars. The footballs
our kids toss around vital
medical equipment vitamins
medication trash bags perfume.
Heart valves telephones cameras
I mean the list just goes on
and on it everything that.
Californians benefit from every
day because of the oil
industry. The bottom line is
it's ridiculous to think. That
a path forward in this state
without the oil and gas
industry is even feasible. Well
the state can move towards
alternative energy or electric
vehicles it can eliminate
things that we use every day-
that are produced were linked
to the oil industry. In fact
for the last thirty years
California reliance on oil has
not gone down and we have
evidence to show that. And even
with the achieve goals with
green technology that other
administrations and this
administration have put in
place. But you all know that
and you also know that we are
importing more oil than we ever
had in the past. So we can
either produce it safely and
cleanly here under the
strictest environmental
quality. Ever we can continue
to import it by- bunker fuel
which is the highest carbon
burning fuel that you can
actually transport anything
with. And then you can look at
the slides that supervisor
Scrivner put out about the
dismal conditions that we as
Californians are finding. When
they're getting beat in the
streets they're getting hang to
publicly and the information
that he showed on just the
environmental issues that are
taking place and for. Please we
aim for that. So I know that a
lot of these things that have
been said I do want to quote
one thing though that the
governor. So if you mix ago
about a month going to the
governor's been here a couple
of times. I gotta find it so I
do apologize because. I had
this great speech all written
out but I've changed it sign of
status by having a heart attack
in the back. I'm just looking
for the governor's quote said I
do apologize for the delay. The
governor himself came here to
Kern county. And he was
actually talking to the mayor
with about homelessness. And he
on television on camera said.
On December nineteenth. Quote
the state of California.
Through our actions. Have had a
disproportionate impact on Kern
county. We nat to. And we ought
to own up to that. We ought to
own up to that. End quote he
said that. Well I stand here
today. Before my colleagues
that I served with and then I
work very well with. And I tell
you that it's time to own up to
it. Residents are moving out
companies are losing huge
investments businesses are
closing. Stocks are falling and
families are losing their
incomes. It's time to act. We
can't waste anymore time. And I
know that you are working very
hard with Livermore labs to
make sure that the process is
complete. And it's verified by
an organization that people
trust. And then what that
process is complete. Permits
will start being issued I
understand that. And so what I
want you to know that we can't
wait any longer. And I'm not
going to go over everything
else that everybody had and all
the other notes I had. But I do
have some questions. And I do I
have some questions and these
are questions that I would like
answered in my office. Number
one. At good luck on your new
leadership role- are you gonna
be able to work with the
industry and provide clear
goals. Lorelei does it with our
impact the I. R. she set
standards and once they comply
with A. B. C. and D. and she
has it up on the website and
you check all the boxes. You
get a permit within seven days
Kate with what she has access
for the sequel part of our E.
I. R. are you going to provide
a clear and direct process to
industry. And give them. A box
to check and when they supply
that for you you will not
continue to move the goalpost
but did you issue the permit
based on the information that's
provided. So I'd like that
information. I'd also- like to
know if there's going to be we
talked about- transparency. And
I'd like to make sure that that
transparency is available to
industry as well. Their
comments that were made about
the governor's goals and having
and- carbon neutral goals right
we all know we once carbon
neutral girls. In order to
limit eight every single- oil
and gas producer in the state
of California in California
would not be carbon neutral.
And we would actually be
importing more oil from these
dismal countries that are
hostile to S. and have her
rific human rights violations.
I joked Wednesday in the
governor's office that when we
talk about Saudi Arabia that I
wish the first partner was
sitting there because I think
she would have something to
say. About what the way women
are treated in Saudi Arabia. So
there are things that we really
need to address here because
the governor is blessed enough.
Blessed he is truly truly
blessed to run a state. That
has one of the largest and most
industrious oil producing
counties in the in the nation.
And that is a benefit to him
and a benefit to the state and
again we do it in the cleanest
most environmentally friendly
way. So I challenge you guys to
work with industry and keep me
informed and I really do
appreciate- all of you being
here. Especially are you Dr are
new supervisor the director I
appreciate you being here as
well and Anthony for every text
every phone call every two
o'clock you're killing me what
are you doing- response you
know that I sent to you. And
you immediate response and give
me the information you I
appreciate you working with us
and I do appreciate you coming
down and my request. Early to
meet with all the people that
you've met with and I
appreciate the governor coming
to meet with people at least-
working with industry and our
County Board of supervisors for
an at and- a viable active
approach. To making sure that
we have a viable industry that
again is the club. Last it can
be produced. Anywhere right I
thank you for that and I think
the board for taking this- huge
day on and I think you again
supervisor Scrivner for and-
for leading the charge and I
think everybody that's waited
outside. And all of the
individuals here that are
making comments today on this
particular subject matter. You
know. I slightly when out of
order my apologies I'm gonna
call Kathy re high school it.
The whisper president a to the
podium and- and I'd like to-
really highlight the amount of
women that are at the highest
ranks. Of your industry- I like
that I think it's righteous and
I don't know that that happens
anywhere else so I have over
60% women organization and
started the women a wisp
initiative so I'm great with
why we- so the trend is. Moving
in the right direction yeah
it's thank you action thank you
for floor is yours. Good
afternoon madam chair members
of the board that my name is
Kathy realized void R. E. H. E.
I. S. hyphen. B. O. Y. de never
do life and by the way is my
recommendation because you
never and are a B. and
everywhere your- but we have.
We represent wispa- in our
companies in five western
states California is our
biggest state but we also.
Represent Washington Oregon
Nevada and Arizona. And I thank
you very much for the interest
of this board in the economic
vitality not only of the county
but of our industry it it.
Certainly is to be applauded.
I'm not gonna go over the marks
I would've made because
everybody made on but I do want
to highlight a few things. And
I also want to point out and
talk about some of the things
that Ingrid noted. England and
I have had at least two
conversations and- there are
many things that we agree on
and those are important things
and so I'd like to. To
highlight those and then also
just to address a few of the
questions that I heard on. On
natural gas and a few other
issuesif I could thank you- so
I'll just start by by saying
that. My career in the industry
is thirty years now with this
industry and- seven additional
years years with economic
consultants that work for the
industry so. I'm going on about
thirty seven years. Most of
that was in Kern county in the
beginning because as you all
know this is the most genuine
authentic place I've ever
worked. And it's in your soul
and is in your DNA I can tell
you it is a pleasure to be
back. Before this board. You've
heard about the energy demands.
Are increasing and this is the
fifth largest economy in the
world. So attacking production
really doesn't do anything to
limit that demand. Banning
anything in Kern county only
ships things to foreign nations
as you've heard. If we don't
produce it here it's going to
come from there. And California
if you just think of it we are
the third largest consumer of
transportation fuels in the
world. Only behind to. The
United States of America and
China. So when we talk about
the enormous task before us it
it is large. And we have forty
million people the drug twenty
six million. Vehicles everyday
and they demand as you've heard
three things. To wake up turn
the lights on heat and cool
their homes and drive for me to
be and we're involved in all
three of those. It's great sona
her thousand almost seven
hundred thousand Lebec vehicles
you've heard from this industry
we support diversification I've
got members involved in all of
it. In electricity trick
charging stations in solar and
wind and bio fuels. We're all
over it right this county is
all over it. There is a goal
for five million electric
vehicles by twenty thirty that
the governor has set out the
previous governor set out
that's a that's a big goal but
five million twenty thirty.
Carbon neutrality twenty forty
five. Big difference between
five million twenty six
million. The gap is significant.
This county is all about the
how we go about that and you're
gonna have a lot to say about
it and again I just applaud you
for bringing everybody together.
I don't wanna talk about the
imports well no it's 70% you
all heard about places that
don't have human rights and
labor environmental standards.
But our plan the state's plan.
Cannot be. That we could Kerr
production hair. Lose jobs
increase greenhouse gas
emissions from transport of
marine. Snow pipelines to bring
cruder. It's just we either do
it here we bring in by by
tanker. Decrease our energy
independent pendants and
increased costs to consumers
impact affordability and
homeless that cannot be our
plan. I cannot believe that
that is the governor's plan.
And so we need to really make
sure that we focus on
affordability as we go forward.
I also want to note on the
interest on the natural gas
side natural gas has been the
single most important. Reason
the nation has decreased its
greenhouse gas emissions there
is no other reason it is the
reason. And so it is the
cleanest fossil fuel this state
doesn't have a great policy on
it- it continues to try to move
away from it why I don't really
know to tell you the truth it
makes no sense to me. So
natural gas is definitely
something that continues to be
very important and I'll just
note when we had the
independent system operator
come to our board of directors
to talk with us about the
critical place the state finds
itself today. We have over
supplied on solar. The shift of
when we need solar is moved
into later in the evening. And
what we have now found is we
need to bring back and make
sure we maintain. Natural gas
facilities so that the lights
stay on the state. That is a
thoughtful conversation we had
should have had before we found
ourselves in this position. So
again I think you know it's
great that we have large
Livermore labs doing a study.
Considering I've been doing
this for thirty years don't
wanna date myself I've been
through seven studies. They've
all come with the same
conclusion. So we need to get
the study done we need to get
moving and we need to get
permits flowing. I've also been
through seven people else.
We're not at peak oil. We're
gonna be about people. The
projections out in the future
our- 80% coal gas and oil for a
very long time. So what we need
some of that reality I guess.
Charlie T. shirt and in that
conversation. Serena Tory
certainty so we can plan budget
staff in the last and make sure
we have reliability is really
really going to be key. A
couple of things that I think
inward noted. And we have some
forms and tomfoolery talked
about this with a group called
CFE. That balances economy and
environment. We know something
we can agree on we can agree on
everything we're not gonna
agree that we should work
towards the mice in this
industry that we should people
on the ground those are things
were not in agree on. However
there are many things that we-
found common ground that we can
agree on. And that's exciting
because I think the learning
opportunities that we have from
everybody was a diverse
opinions are very very helpful.
So we're going to continue
talking with each other we're
going to continue to address
these issues that she brought
forward and I'll just note if
you. We agree. With that I have
a sign of starting a Connie. We
agree we have to have healthy
jobs with brief we have to have
healthy places and safe places
to live. And we agree that we
need more state investment.
Right there. You got whispered
in the center of race party
environment agreeing on for
really big issues. So I bring
that up because we knowwe have
to be very active listeners. We
know we need to work with the
communities to figure this out
if you're not familiar with AV
six seventeen you should get
really familiar with it. Three
ninety eight was the bill that
moved forward on really
aggressive climate change goals
they wouldn't happen to this
industry didn't support it we
did. We supported the climate
cap and trade program with
aggressive extension just why
like when ms Oviatt called me
up way back when and said
you're not gonna like this but
you'll need to step up a game
and we're going to do any I
are. To take a lot of money
lifetime but your license to
operate depends on it. And we
did. We stepped up to the plate
to do exactly that and we will
stop of the plate every time to
meet every challenge. And my
note on carbon neutrality. We
will meet carbon neutrality
without. Losing oil and gas
production jobs because that's
what we do can you imagine
producing carb could producing
crude oil in a carbon negative
way. We can we can envision. So
is the state's goals meeting
climate change carbon
neutrality. Or making this
instruction in Dallas industry.
As we can meet up that's the
question we could meet doubles.
We do what we did on the E. R.
we'll do it on clapping trade
we'll do it on every other kind
of policies of the state's puts
forward and we're gonna do it.
I'm carbon neutrality. And our
comment letter happy Senshi all
talk to directly about that. So
can we please talk about with
the state was our partners
about increasing offsets for
the cap and trade program. This
group did it on the I. R. we
are the lowest offset low level
in cap and trade. 4% is what we
get to use for offsets it is
the most economical way to meet
our goals were limited to four
percent. That's when we can do
the last one of those is carbon
capture sequestration you heard
mentioned before. This date is
blessed with the best geology
in the nation for carbon
capture sequestration we need
to get on with that
conversation. We had a great
conversation twenty fifteen
when a Blue Ribbon panel was
set up to do that map out. It
all together didn't do anything
except for right a protocol
which is great but we haven't
done one project in the state
so we are really working very
closely with the governor's
office and the resources agency
to start a carbon capture
sequestration project because
you can beat your carbon
neutrality goals without. A
transition away from this
industry. And my last will be
the innovation of this
industry. As you know they are
contributing in all ways to
alternative renewable fuels as
they are reading demand why
they are making traditional oil
and gas cleaner better safer
with everything they do so. My
any common is we want to be
partners thank you for the
state for coming down and
hearing us. But I am not a
proponent of transitioning away
from the only gas industry I am
a proponent about making sure
we meet the state's climate
change. N. community goals in
ways that this industry can
continue to thrive. Make those
things happen and not lose a
single job. That we employ
thank you. Thank you Kathy.
Good things happen when women
are in charge. Can I ask
senator her title on in that
vein and to follow senator grow
center taught- can you come to
the podium please I see you and
senator Grove have been
commiserating it's always nice
when we can have I non partisan
agreements about what's good
for current county. And these
kind of forms are right just
the place to show that unity so
thank you senator for your
leadership and center talk it's
nice to see welcome. Thank you
thank you madam chair and
members of the board of what an
amazing turn out this this
afternoon and it's love it's
always a pleasure to be here
and grounded in Dallas court
Kern county- I like to think
the governor's administration
for being here and willing to
listen to the people of Kern
county. But more importantly I
like to take this opportunity
to thank our other cat the Kern
county board of supervisors and
the committee for putting this
meeting together. It's
extremely helpful to have this
conversation to have the space
so that Sacramento can hear you
loud and clear- so thank you.
For putting this together and I
encourage you to continue to do
so. Our I am here to stand in
solidarity with you and the
people of Kern county. When I
look around the room I see
people who are passionate and
power of the community that
they live in. I see community
that continues to inspire me to
represent a region that is
often overlooked by the rest of
California. So we're all here
for the same reason we care
about our community we want our
voice to be heard and we want
to have control over our
destiny and that means a
community coming together like
you see here today. So I'll try
to just keep the shore and to
say that I'm here- to represent
you wall and in Sacramento and
to be in support and always
feel free to reach out to. To
myself or to our office in any
way that we can help I'd be
more than happy to do is. To do
so and I know I've heard a lot
from a lot of you. Regarding
the severance tax that was
going to be heard- at. Or
expected to be heard in
committee tomorrow and I'll- we
were very fortunate to be able
to defeat that- and it will no
longer be heard so. Happy to
help and support in any way
that I can always feel free to
reach out. Thank you. Thank you.
Supervisor Mike Maggard.
Senator senator Hurtado me ask
you one question. Thank you for
being here today and I
appreciate your your. A
collaborative- you know message
he gave us what would you be
willing to help us deliver to
Sacramento to the governor's
office the legislature and to
the agency the urgency that we
have to find a solution. Well
ahead of time so we don't roll
through a year from now and we
start to see the train wreck of
consequences and our property
tax items. Absolutely I mean I
feel like I'm I'm already doing
that- you probably don't hear
it I'm not out in the media
and- saying Hey. Doing this I'm
doing that but I'm already
doing that the governor has
heard the governor's office has
heard from me- I've been like
I. Mentioned earlier been
working on making sure that the
severance tax. You know that.
That bill disproportionately
impacts Kern county but- that
it doesn't move along right and
to make sure that everybody
knows that my colleagues know
that. This disproportionately
impacts. Our region our and I
will continue to do so and
happy to do so just feel free
to reach out. Thank you center
every thank you. Yes thank you.
I assemblyman Vince song thank
you for being here all day I
know what a sacrifice it is
free Sacramento folks to. Be
away from your responsibilities
there that are very serious but
I sure appreciate how patient
you have been and listening to
the various perspectives that
really hats off. Vince welcome.
Thank you very much thank you
chair thank you Jack for your
leadership on this important
matter thank you to my friends
and that the governor's office
for being here listening. And
during a persevering but I will
say this the public. Wants and
demands affordable reliable
energy and the people behind me
the people outside they
provided. And that's why it's
important for you to listen and
I respect we say the governor's
moratorium and the permit
backlog makes absolutely no
sense. Hi there are already
multitude of studies by
multiple state agencies that
are already determined that our
energy producers are operating
in a manner that protects the
public's health and
environment. And I will say
that what we know as a fact is
that all oil producing
California is using California.
And but only accounts 431% of
the state's demand for oil
which means that we are
importing 69% from foreign
countries as a supervisor
Scrivner mention current
county. Is synonymous with
energy and is a false choice to
say that you can't have a
vibrant productive oil industry
and also support renewable
energy AS or heard before the
oil industry is cutting edge
it's innovative it is using
renewable energy to actually
enhances production. So we
should applaud them for that we
should encourage them and
support them when they- go that
way because if our economy is
going to grow and everyone says
that California. Is now the
fifth largest economy is if it
were a country and if it is
going to continue that way. We
have to keep the lights on and
we have the power that economy
and to do so it requires a
strong current county. A strong
California means and depends on
a strong current county for
that to happen. In. Sacramento
policies have greatly harmed
energy producers. Here in
Kentucky. Thirty years ago oil
producers provided one million
barrels per day. And now today.
The only produce for her in
sixty three thousand barrels.
Again this means that we are
simply importing more foreign
oil to our state and there is
no denying this reality. And so
we have to look at all the
policies that are coming to
Sacramento. Through the lens of
jobs and affordability. If
there are no jobs and of
California is no longer
affordable to live and work
then people won't be here
anymore and we see that exit is
forty happening. That is a
consequence a real world
consequences of what's
happening in Sacramento. And so
I appreciate. The talk of the
budget and full transparency
will be testifying before main
and sub three- and so when you.
Talk about the fact that you're
asking for a hundred twenty
eight new positions.
Californians and myself
included would not tolerate
paying more and getting less
and that is what's happening.
OR industries our community is
paying to get these permits and
they're not getting anything.
So as we continue to pay we
don't get permits in return and
that means less production that
means lost jobs and that means
lost revenue for the county and
for the state as a whole. So I
clearly stand in support of
British producers I stand in
support of this poor
supervisors ice and support of
our community and I hope that
the governor and his
ministration were versus
moratorium why dress this
permit permit backlog provide
certainty and allow our
industries to do what it does
best and that is the power. Our
state thank you. Thank you. We
see a gentleman with his hand
restore they'll be a public
comment portion and we'll get
to just as fast as we can I
promise. Okay can I ask- Eric
areas from assemblyman Rooney
solace is office to make his
way down and then we're going
to have an opportunity here
from our sheriff and the
district attorney. So you'll be
up very soon. Please state your
name for the record please.
Erica audiences spelled P. R.
I. C. last name A. R. I. a S.
good afternoon good evening-
members of the board madam
chair- staff- in the
delegations and down from the
covers an administration thank
you for meeting us here- in
Kern county- I'm a field
representative here on behalf
of state assembly member Rudy
Salis. Wanted to be here today-
but was required to be in the
state capital- assembly member
salas wanted me to read this
statement in support of one of
the most vital economic engines
in our region the energy input
the petroleum industry. I want
to thank firstly the board of
supervisors for having this
item on today's agenda and for
allowing me to share the
statement. In November the
governor issued a moratorium on
cyclic steaming that threatens
the livelihood of thousands of
good paying jobs in Kern
county. And throughout the
state and stands to unduly. And
severely impacting county in
the kit counties ability to
offer much needed public
services to our local
residents. Tens of thousands of
working families here in the
Central Valley depend either
directly or indirectly on the
good paying jobs within our
robust energy sector. The total
economic contribution to Kern
county from energy. Industry
jobs totals around nine point
one billion dollars. This
contribution is seen in the
investments in our schools in
our roads in our infrastructure
and public safety.
Unfortunately because of the
governor's moratorium coupled
with the inaction from daughter
and now cal Jim to issue much
needed permits people are now
losing their jobs. This means
less revenue to the county less
revenue to the state and an
undue impact to the thousands
of families in the region and
throughout the state. Today
members of the governor's
administration are here and we
appreciate that. I appreciate
that is a T. this his team are
here so that they can hear
firsthand the impacts that are
occurring and can take those
back with them. To voice them
to the governor. It is my hope
that members of the governor's
administration understand the
urgency to fixing this issue
and understand the negative
impact it has. It is having on
so many families. It is
important to note that the
elimination of that energy
production will do nothing to
decrease energy demand here in
California. California remains
a net importer of oil and gas
because of our growing demand.
The question I posed to the
administration is why. Would we
want to have the cleanest was
well regulated oil and gas
coming from some of the most
hardest working Californians in
the world. In the long run
meeting the man was some of the
cleanest and most well
regulated oil and gas standards
with oil derived from current
county and within the state
well the greater positive
impact. Especially when you
consider that to ME
California's energy demand that
the only options left arm to
import oil and gas from
countries across the world that
do not have the same
environmental and worker safety
standards. As California. And
thus increasing the chances of
an environmental disaster via
tanker transportation. It is my
hope that this administration
seriously considers the impacts
of their decisions and
prioritize the hard working men
and women of California that
make up the world's most
regulated and cleanest energy
sector bar none. It is also my
hope that the administration
will engage all stakeholders to
find a balanced scientific
approach. To dealing with our
energy crisis that takes into
consideration California's
current and future energy
demands. I look forward to
engaging with all stakeholders
to help protect our local
economy. And safety of our
workers and the health of our
communities thank you so much.
Thank you Mister Harris and
thank you to the S. seven we
understand he that he is busy
at work for Krause county
Mettler Preciado him. Thank you
we can ask our share of twenty
Youngblood to make his way down.
And also our district attorney
in any order that of you too
would like to be heard. Mister
Williams Donna young with my
actual neighbor we live six
houses from each other. And so
we have to get a. What. This
Michael this. Dadi you reveal
so much thank you that's one US
in December the floor short
good afternoon madam chair
members of the board of my name
is Cynthia simmer and I am
current county's district
attorney I've been a prosecutor
in this county for nearly four
decades and I have seen first
hand how imperative Kern county
oil and gas industry has been
and helping to maintain. Public
safety. Currently our county's
public safety infrastructure
has been pushed well beyond its
limits. Changes in state laws
in the last five years have
caused our county jail to be
bursting at the seams with
hardened criminals who have
previously served their time in
state prison. Gang violence
plagues us. Especially in our
rural communities. And it is
now much more difficult for me
to hold drug dealers. And
serial thieves accountable for
their crimes. During this very
difficult time in which we
dealt with law changes we've
also suffered a fiscal
emergency. This is been brought
on directly by the decrease in
the price of oil. Public safety
employees. Especially those in
my office have pushed onward
despite handling more criminal
cases with less staff. And no
wage increase since two
thousand seven. And the last
few years I have lost. Forty
three prosecutors two other
counties in California who pay
a higher wage because we have
been so impacted on our ability
to recruit and retain competent
employees. The Kern county
district attorney's office
prosecutes more criminal cases
each year than does Sacramento
county. And that Sacramento
county has a population of
nearly twice are Saudis and
twenty seventeen and twenty
eighteen current county had the
dubious distinction of having
the highest homicide rate per
capita. In California. The
governor's proposals will
result in the loss of jobs and
with the loss of jobs that
certainly means a higher crime
rate. In addition many criminal
offenders will lose the
opportunity to get and keep a
good job. Oil and gas companies
help to read rehabilitate are
offenders by hiring people with
criminal records. These we call
second chance jobs they too
will disappear as will the
hopes of many. To enter the
middle class. The governor's
proposed regulations will have
a disproportionate disastrous
and permanent impact on our
ability to protect our
community. For those of us in
public safety this is clearly
the unthinkable. Thank you.
Thank you very much sure of
Donna Youngblood I'll be quick
because these folks been very
patient and they have things
that they want to say we're at
the end of the fiscal emergency
they are at the end of the
fourth year of a fiscal
emergency the first
commercially was because of the
price of oil oil drives our
county whether we like it or
not that's the fact- we in we
have lost a hundred and sixty
five Japanese in the last five
years to other agencies. Bi
lateral transfers we received
zero we can't recruit and
retain employees because of a
lot of reasons but now we're
going to CPAC on the
uncertainty of the future in
our county how are we gonna
ever recruit anyone to come to
work here- why would they they
can go to that we come in this
job because we wash public and
we want stability. And when you
don't. Have stability you will
moving to Los place else. The
work force millennials. They're
not stable in one time they
have for careers throughout
their life. Moving quitting
this job means absolutely
nothing to them. These young
men and women you see here
there in uniform as they've
served us well and they deserve
better than that the folks that
you see in the audience behind
me our neighbors. Our friends
or relatives the ones outside
those are all real people the
real families this is gonna
have a significant impact on
their families in the hall and
the last thing I'll say is a
homeless issue- what we've
done. In my opinion the
homeless issues caused by prop
forty seven and fifty seven
thank you state of California
and now we're in this epidemic
of a homeless. Epidemic and now
we're going to take jobs from
the oil industry. What do you
think that's gonna do to our
tore homeless issue. And now
the state of California is
going to sue the counties and
cities to make us fix the
homeless problem that in my
opinion they cost. So this is
really really a difficult
situation I think that we have
to pick our fights. And pick
the hell were they were willing
to die on. And this is the one.
Thank you very much. Man in
chair member of the board thank
you so much for this
opportunity to speak my name is
merry Barlow and the Kern
county superintendent of
schools and I'm here on behalf
of. Two hundred and seventy
eight schools forty seven
school districts and- turned
fifty thousand students in the
county of Kern- we're a county
of great challenges. One out of
every four residents live in
poverty but guess what 30% of
the children live in poverty.
In our county but they are not
the children of the members who
are employed in this industry.
Kern has great promise as well.
We are one of the fastest
growing areas of the state and
our population's increased 9%
over the past ten years. So as
a result the loss of the single
largest economic driver in our
county will disproportionately
impact our youth the very youth
at the governor is working so
hard to support. The taxes the
petroleum industry pay help
fund school construction and
daily operations and ensure
students are prepared for the
future. I want to concentrate
on two things that really
haven't been touched on today I
know that the governor has-
focused on us. Students with
early childhood education
programs and early mention
intervention programs he's
hired- or appointed Nadine
Burke Harris as a Surgeon
General looking specifically at
aces or adverse childhood
experiences and the results
that trauma has on children and
their families. There is one
major impact that we know one
of the most impactful aces is
an unemployed parent. And that
is something we really need to
be careful about and cautious
about as we talk about this
industry and how we're going to
impact it. Many many people are
dealing with homelessness and
the parents who might be
impacted by this not just in
the oil industry will be
dealing with that same issue.
We know that are low income
students are less likely to
have access to resources and
support that they need to be
successful in school all of the
at early education programs all
of the early intervention. A
lot of the medication we're
talking about will never
replace employed parents
working with their children in
their home and providing them a
safe and healthy place to live
and learn. The finally at the
direction are the direct fiscal
impact on the Kern county
school infrastructure must be
discussed. To address growth
many of our current county
schools have passed bones to
modernize and expand
facilities. Including advance
career technical education
programs right now we know are
assessed valuation is over two
hundred fifty five billion with
mineral rights accounting for
about 16% or forty billion of
that valuation. 60% 59% of
local property taxes go
directly to the school
districts. So the petroleum
industry is a key partner input
supporting Kern county an
education. Any immediate impact
to the petroleum industry may
result in a decline not only in
well it will result in a
decline in the assessed
valuation it will put district
finances and bond repayment at
risk. And we know two things
happen when local property
taxes decline I'm the former
deputy administrative officer
for the fifth not which is
fiscal crisis management
assistance team in the state of
California very first thing
that happens is the- California
governor. Needs to come in and
back fill all of the cost to
the- school districts that
operate learn. Paid work by
local taxes and so that impacts
the entire California economy
then they have to start looking
at how they're going to help
operate those school districts
that are in fiscal distress
another enormous cost. But Kern
county school districts and the
current community college
district would be at risk of
not being able to complete
their existing Boron funded
projects potentially resulting
in overcrowded classrooms or on
how students which means that
they're operating in temporary
facilities. So you need to know
the Kern county school district
and the Kern county community
college district currently have
two point four billion and
bonding capacity. To build and
renovate local schools over one
billion dollars in outstanding
bonded indebtedness I'm not
sure that that can be funded or
how that can be. Accomplished
without the petroleum industry.
The plan projects also helped
fuel our local construction
industry and our current county
economy. Keep in mind when
people leave the- the county to
find other employment we're
talking about a loss in eighty
eight as mentioned by less
Clark. We've employed ninety
six hundred teachers and twenty
two thousand school employees
in Kern county that will also
be impacted by Los. A potential
loss in in this industry. There
is no doubt that as a country a
state in the world we are in
transition but guess what the
petroleum industry is in
transition as well. And we have
some very smart forward
thinking leaders in this
industry and they are willing
to come to the table and work
with us collaborative late. So
that we can continue to power.
The world. As we need and we
need to be carefully planning
any transition with this
industry so we just ask. For
your partnership and we ask
that you understand it impacts
so much more. It's a ripple
effect think about those
children 30% of the children in
Kern county. Are living in
poverty. Please think about
those children when you're
making those policy decisions.
Thank you very. Okay I know
that mayor Karen go was here
for some time and I think she
had to head out and she gone
I'm gonna ask the mayor of
Wasco Alex Garcia can you make
your way to the podium please
as well as Jeff Flores trustee
you can add introduce
yourselves in your title a but
I'm also gonna ask a Richard
Chapman Kaylee Peterson Clint
Olivier Tracy leach J. TMZ to
tee up please so that we can
move through this as quickly as
we can. I know how patiently
you have been waiting. So. So
please make your way down. I
see some folks are getting up
to leave so Merope would just
hold a moment so we can focus
on your important remarks madam
chair. If I might you might I
apologize. As I mentioned
earlier I do have to leave I
can't miss this opportunity-
and I again want to thank you
all- for. Having us here and
starting this conversation this
is a beginning enough the and I
also want to say that for those
members of the public who. Have
yet to speak- I know two things
are true one is that my staff
in Sacramento has been watching
this hearing. They will. They
will continue to watch this
hearing- I will then review the
video- I know you guys think
I'm crazy but I. Will do that-
out of respect for you and for
the people waited all day I'll
make sure that I hear your
comments and again this is not
my last time. Here I will be
back and I look forward to
continuing to the dialogue it's
just the beginning and Mister
Williams have fun with your
grandfather thank you. Thank
you very much. So yes we are
going to one minute thank you
Kathy for the reminder mayor.
Flores source. Thank you
honorable chairwoman- Mister
Williams and staff- I left my
talking points at home this
evening because I know was
meetings been rife with them.
But I will be brief with my
remarks- my name is Alex Garcia
and I have. Had the honor to be
the first openly LGBT elected
mayor in the current county's
history. With that being said
I've always seen an ally in
this governor. Whereas my
brother in many people in this
room see an enemy. And that
makes it very hard for me in my
household so. My point is. What
the people I represent. The
thousands of working families
that I represent for my brother.
I'd like to know father's
families would like to know
what I need to know is what the
roadmap is we need a clear plan
for this decision before the
lights go out. So please please
please consider the.
Represented that the families
that I represent. They are. To
be Frank fearful and scared at
this time. And what they need
now more than ever is
consistency and sherry. So
thank you to thank you so much
for being here and I
understand. It's been a long
day. But I appreciate you being
here listening and I really
hope you take this urgency. And
convey our urgency to the
governor thank you so much.
Thank you so much maricopa. How
Mr floors and we're not quite
to public comments yet but
we're getting there as fast as
we can Flores thank you I'll be
quick thanks for indulgence I
thank you madam chair thank you
supervisors thank you to
provide your Scrivner for your
leadership on this issue- it's
been an arduous four years.
After the price of oil drops
due to external market forces
we can control our county faced
a forty four point five million
dollar structural deficit it
was difficult it was- so hard
for employees or departments
but we did it together we over
came out- so just. We declared
the end of the fiscal fiscal
emergency. Now the state. Has a
trajectory to have a state
induced economic downturn. It
would be exponentially worse-
where the ramifications for
high school district. Occur
high school district is the
largest high school district in
the state of California. We
have- forty thousand students
with a budget of four hundred
fifty million dollars. Of.
We're tasked with grooming the
next generation of taxpayers of
work force of leaders. The
repose actions of phasing out
entire sector of our economy
since an alarming message to
our teachers and students it is
a waste of educational
resources. The mission of Kern
high school district is to
Paris Tunis to be college and
career ready. We're in the
process of building a new C. T.
E. size at independence high as
seventy million dollar
investment. Courtesy of the
creek county taxpayers in upon
passage of measure K. we just
finished a twenty five million
dollar- C. T. E. expansion at
Mount Vernon our world- P.
site- adding new programs
constantly in our in our school
district.We have a wonderful
energy and utilities academy
and in high school with our
inner energy partners and we're
doing great work across all our
sites. Parents students for to
be geologist instrumentation
petroleum engineers human
resources construction. A CPAC
is lawyers the next generation
if the state moves forward not
only would squander hundreds of
millions of dollars in economic
investment educational
investment. But more
importantly the caressed
rations of our students in the
students of color thank you for
listening to our people. The
people of Kern county. And are
extracted sector the good
people of where the heritage
characterized by hard work
ingenuity and respect for the
environment. Kern county can
assist in creating an during
value for not only our county
but for the state and for a
nation- all we ask for. Is just
to give us the opportunity
thank you. Thank you Jeff well
said Mister Chapman from corn
economic development core floor
is yours. Thank you madam chair
and fellow supervisors my name
is Richard Chapman the
presidency of the current
economic development
corporation and our mission is
to advance economic employment
opportunities as well as the
well being of the region. I had
a boat load of the sound bites
economic impact sound bites but
you know really I think what
we're hearing this is a set of
a quantitative you've heard
that. This is a qualitative
issue and it is a quality of
life Kern county you may or may
not know this the top five
region for upward mobility. And
it's mainly due to our oil and
gas industry. This is where the
middle class is growing- like
most of the west because
frankly. It's a quality of life
issue and why do I say that
it's a public health issue. And
but by the way I'm a site my
sources so the upward mobility
study was done by the national
bureau of economic research at
Harvard University another
study. Was done by the urban
institute and there's a clear
link between income and health.
And that means the jobs that
oil and gas pay on average
about eighty thousand a year.
That income of the actual- for
folks that way and on fair to
poor health are three times
higher at the average income
for the there are- economy.
That means that basically this
is giving you a prescription
for health these jobs are
creating upward mobility. As
well as healthy citizens so
we're really excited by number
web plied the industry as
paying good paying jobs that
don't necessarily require PhD.
The other quote before I leave-
I always say this perfect is
the enemy of the good. You know
and I think we have a really
well balanced approach. Oil and
gas working with the buyer
manages to working with a
government at that that is- I
think should be emulated as a
best practice where the energy
capital largest when seller oil
gas and so I would hope right
today you'll come back go back
to Sacramento and say wow. Kern
county really knows what's as
it's doing and it's creating a
healthier and wealthier middle
class thank you thank you
Mister Chapman. Please hear
from J. Thames in the Hispanic
chamber of commerce please. Is
Kaelin Peterson did she there
you are thank you all right
well good evening- and thank
you madam chair chairwoman and
chair and- the board for
allowing us this form to
discuss the importance of oil
and gas industry in Kern
county- I am J. jams the
presidency of the current
county Hispanic chamber of
commerce. And I'm also the
central regional- chair for the
California Hispanic chambers of
commerce which I represent-
Baker sold on the way to Chico.
The goal of the chamber to is
to be a leader of the rubber
and represent over the eight
hundred thousand Hispanic owned
businesses in California
include including more than
four hundred thousand Hispanics
in Kern county it's my duty and
privilege to advocate and
educate our decision. Makers so
our members and their employees.
And boys are provided an
opportunity. To economic thrive
in kerning and current county
the way our businesses thrive
is there a stable economy. Our
families and businesses are
attracted so that they grow
roots by home stop local and
invest in their future. The oil
and gas industry have been the
have been that economy and we
and current county see when the
industry feels uncertain T. we
awful and certainty. I have
much more low point to say but
we know that without a career
in oil and gas industry Latinos
are less likely to have
expanded opportunities we also
know that thousands of Latinos
have been able to provide for
their families have health
insurance for their family
members send themselves and
their children to college. And
have a savings to retire due to
the oil and gas industry. I am
grateful for the local decision
makers such as yourselves that
are here today. I urge our
governor and is the mystery and
ministration to see that there.
That here in the Central Valley
we find ways to break barriers
reach goals and to provide
opportunities for people
including Latinos and we do
not. We do that best with our
largest partners by our sites
on behalf of the current county
Hispanic chamber of commerce
and the California Hispanic
chambers of commerce we support
the oil and gas industry thank
you. Thank you Jay. Keene
Peterson. Good evening my name
is Kaelin Peterson I'm
representing the greater
Bakersfield chamber **** the
largest and broadest business
organization here in
Bakersfield you've heard a lot
of these points today but as
you know Kern county is
California's energy capital we
producing- the majority of both
the state's domestic oil and
gas as well as the majority of
the state's renewable energy.
We believe that the oil and gas
sector represents the most
affordable and reliable source
of transportation fuel both now
and in the future however we
also acknowledge the state's
leadership on the pressing
issue of climate change and
Kern county who believe that
the oil and gas is safe
reliable and affordable source
of transportation fuel if the
state determines that a
complete transition away from
oil is warranted then we would
argue that a centerpiece of
that planet should include
policies that maximize in
states. Oil and gas production
and as you've heard here today
California oil production is
governed under arguably the
most robust body of regulations
and environmental protections
in the world making it the
safest cleanest and most
environmentally sensitive
produced oil in the world
penalizing instateproduction
will only necessitate
increasing party importation of
oil and gas from foreign
sources. Foreign production is
not governed under California's
strict rules in addition. You
at best shuffle emissions they
will not result in any
meaningful state- any
meaningful reductions thus
undercutting the state's
climate goals. We also believe
that the economic impact of a
proposed transition and
increased regulation should be
a key piece of the conversation
and current county the
petroleum industry makes up
almost a third. Of the total
wages five of the ten largest
property taxpayers are oil and
gas companies the industry is a
major employer and petroleum
companies are some of our
area's most generous
philanthropic donors.
California is a company Akon ME
depends on us to continue to
provide. These policies are
just impacting Kern county but
every Californian. The reality
is that your twenty first
century lifestyle. When you put
gas when you turn n the lights
this. All of that has been made
possible for you on the backs
of workers here in Kern county.
We need to really think about
that in these economic impacts
moving forward with applauded
the focus of the new some
administration on inland
California and the San Joaquin
Valley specifically. And we
hope that that focus continues
and that the concerns of our
region regarding the state's
energy policy are considered
here today. We appreciate the
opportunity to comment and we
plan to continue to be an
active participant around the
state's energy future thank
you. Thank you Kayla. Mr Chad
halfway understand there is a-
slide that you have prepared
for as low smoke through it so
that. So I'm but my- shut out
the women and been all producer
here in Bakersfield- now many
of you and appreciate the time
appreciate today I'm not going
to touch on a reiterate things
that- posted today basically
I'm an independent oil
producer. I have to raise
capital not a publicly traded
company so I think I have a
very I'm I'm a specific asked
if you're bored here today. JPM
to me was the governor's office
thank to- grow for that. So I
had to raise capital either
through my own pocket.
Throughout Stine **** and- and
otherwise my projects don't go
I can't. Move for a casual well
they can't bill facilities I
can't create jobs. Unless that
capital is available to me. I
have a network five a mess over
thirty million dollars thirty
five million dollars of
partners and myself the last
several years and not several
last for years and- in in. Kern
county. I've never heard about
a hundred forty five individual
investors. That does a private
equity funds I can't just go
issue stock. Investment bankers.
Individuals even my own mother
invest in some ideals so I'm
saying I've got a huge network
of people I talk to people
across this nation- the invest
in our industry. And we have a
couple we have a problem in
California about investing we
have become. Downgraded to
become at risk. And we have
good assets here that our
investment grade that makes
sense so this go ahead just
really quickly so my next slide
please miss Oviatt. So I deal
with there's one of the main
ways we can borrow money. In on
gases call reserve base
lending- there's about fourteen
banks have historically I know
banking California they do
reserve base loans. We talk to
them actively we're actively
engage with them I can show you
a list of detail
communications. Out of all
those banks only to. Consider
doing deals is severely reduced
rates now now there's been
rules it even change and-
pricing is changed. But the
number one reason that I'm
hearing they do not want to do
deals in California. Is because
they don't feel comfortable
they don't feel safe. They
don't feel that the money they
would loan in California would
be protected. In same things
happening in Colorado. The
downgrades been happening. The
last several years with the do
not feel safe because they
think something can happen in
Sacramento tomorrow. That would
basically wipe out that long
next please. No this is even
more specific I have a hundred
forty five people forty local
people. Who have invested with
me in the past. Not the there's
a reason the but I will tell
you the number one reason why.
They do not want to invest in
California projects. Is because
the regulatory uncertainty. As
the overwhelming over arching
reasons not because at best
returns. After November
nineteenth when the government
miss tweeted eyes banning seamy
I spent a good part of a whole
week trying to explain to my
partner's. What that meant and
where that happened at and why
doesn't affect project that we
have. This fully permitted as a
full run my for development.
That's very significant I think
current county. When a couple
things one take my final slide
because I know everybody wants
to go home- you know we have a
lot of high grade investigate
products to be struck out to
bring the terrorists are places
where people would put money
here in California tomorrow. As
of a given fact we've got great
deal these have you all assets
survey talks about. They're
called conventional assets.
They last for years you gotta
asset right off the- CEQA. You
will. Our front Lorelei Valadao
rest with very good solid
assets but without outside
investment in California that's
even these companies were here
today were China time tapping
on that they were saying to you
Hey we can take our money
somewhere else we can do it
somewhere else it because it's
safer there. So even there
saying we're gonna take our
money somewhere else so. We
can't develop these assets is
gonna be a diminishing. Impact
our tax base is not just my
problem it's the final ten to
anyone invested anything. They
don't feel safe investing they
won't and so what I'm asking is
the current county. I think
supervisor matter tapped out
tap into a little bit earlier.
Anything and everything you can
do to give a business are like
myself and other and-
employers. The other oil
companies in this room. A
certainty any kind of certainty
we want to schedule business.
Those of you are known leaner
your scheduling your business
is you're doing what you're
doing thank you for doing that
current guy you know you want
to know certainty. You have to
have that you want to schedule
your business. How can you
schedule your business. When
somebody with the stroke of a
pen and not just the governor
because these folks are here
they're listening I appreciate
that. But a legislature. Can do
something crazy. Curry county
has to find ways to protect
their investment based. I don't
know it may not be with their
health maybe on our own thank
you. Yeah thank you Chad madam
chair. Yes Mick the staff were
you yeah you attic you
sufficiently convinced me of
your CV situation could you
tell me about your time and
we'll dig specifically what
you're asking is. So we have
various projects for investment
we would try to sell assets in
the last several months and the
general consensus is its
California branches which you
know in our business there's a
traditional people have
historical investment cal
people that's the first place
you go right to people that
have already invested and the
number one comment I hear from
them is. Very overweight
California right now we want to
kind of pair that back so we
have various ways do we have
joint projects we do we have
asset sales we have various
ways to raise capital I mean I
look at this way I where I live
I hated I'm will guy hard but I
got talk to finance Phillips
way too much I like it. And
that's what I hear I hear an
overwhelming amount of time. Is
that we don't feel safe testing
California. At what's your
mask. What's my ask for you-
from you guys into the market.
My **** is for you to look into
any option you can. To try to
solidify the public. Needs to
hear things they need to hear
things from the governor's
office we talked a little about
with him earlier. They need to
hear that we're gonna have a
clear path. There we understand
what what's going to happen. So
the key the county can reach
out to do that either through a
public relations campaign. They
can do their actions to protect
us we brought a lot about what
miss Oviatt does in our E. I.
R. we pride a lot about that.
But I don't I get that message
out it it doesn't resonate. As
much come from little guy like
me. Needs to come from you guys.
So that's why I'm asking can
you get the message out is
going to be saving your cat or
can you do things to make it
safe in Kern county. Whether it
be a sanctuary I don't know
what it is I thought I heard
you said earlier. I don't know
what it is. But the more people
in here that. In the investment
world. The better off I think
will be. In the long term. Is
that. Fair enough. Think what
what I'm hearing you say is we
need a clear concise specific.
Definition of this- transition
this- that we use the term we
use earlier today. About this
transition. What is this
transmission there just might.
Flowery rhetoric. But I don't
see exactly what we're trying
to do the state. And so we
don't I don't know how to.
Position the county. To respond
to that need I mean I just
don't. Want to work things you
do like to see I are. The
ticket. Turn Kalyan pole
position. Of the type of things
we need. Anything you can do.
No offense my friends the state
to cut them out of the decision
making process. And to be able
to give us certainty that's
marketable. That's marketable
thanks Sir Sir thank you. I'm
sorry sorry about that my
supervisor Magnus question for
Georgia just I want to jump on
some you said about certainty
the you are spot on that the
biggest hurdle business has in
obtaining financing is- an
uncertain path it we must be
able to solve all the variables
that's exactly how we have
landed- new sectors and work
our our our economy hi Amazon
got to be here how other.
Distribution sites how we got
so much stuff here all of that
is by eliminating uncertainty
in the process so if we must go
in the direction of the-
becoming Meg Meg declared
Xochitl be a sanctuary that'll
be one of the tenets of it
because we if we cannot do that
there's no way you can survive
so that that's a fundamental
element of that so I appreciate
you mention. Thank you thank
you very much can I ask ed
hazard but to make his way down
as well as was one compost from
Lou let's deal here thank you
and then also Russell Johnson
are you president don't. Of
there you are okay. Ed thank
you and then if what one could
T. up next thank you ed. Good
to see you. Good to see you too
thank you chair Perot's and-
supervisors for having us here
and thank you very much for
coming all the way from
Sacramento- to listen to us. My
name is ed hazard. Edie HAZ es
RD and yes that is my real
name- my family and I are
California. Loyalty and mineral
owners oil and gas royalty on
Miller's and I'm president of
the California chapter of the
national association of royalty
owners. We represent the
interests of the estimated five
hundred to six hundred thousand
private citizen oil and gas
royalty owners of this state.
And even many more mineral
owners who if this state of.
Decides that it wants to
produce more oil which I think
is the proper decision to make.
They would have the opportunity
to become royalty owners. We as
mineral owners and royalty
owners rely on producers to
produce our oil. Without them
our assets are worthless. The
uncertainty that is being
generated out of Sacramento. Is
causing. Them to delay
investment- it's S. as Mister
Hathaway said it's causing
lenders to question and
investors to question whether
they should invest in this
state. Not just in Kern county
but throughout the state- my
family's production is in Santa
Barbara county. We have mineral
rights in Kern county but none
of them are producing. Our
producer in Kern county one of
our producers has now stopped
all investment in our lease
their they have approval for
twelve wells they've drilled
to. They're not gonna show the
other ten at this point because
of the uncertainty I don't have
anywhere near enough time to
say everything I need to say.
But what I it's tough to in one
minute represent the interests
of over half a million people I
would appreciate the
opportunity to come to
Sacramento or to meet with you
gentleman here. And in the very
very near future naval
California has had a very good
relationship with Dogger Indio
see for a number of years and
we've participated and
cooperated in various
educational programs that
narrow has put on and we've
gotten a lot of support from
Dogger I'm hoping that that
continues. One other thing I
would like to say and you got
to wrap it up okay. We talked
about imported well. And this
is something I've thought about
for a long time this country
has spent trillions of dollars.
In military and foreign aid.
Defending or protecting
overseas oil lost thousands and
thousands of lives. I would say
no more blood for oil let's
produce California oil on
California soil thank you. One
minute Sir. Good evening board
supervisors my name is Juan
compost community outreach
director for the league of
United Latin American citizens
or lack cancel thirty two
seventy two black is the oldest
Latino civil rights
organization in the United
States our council is a
nonprofit organization whose
mission is to establish
collaborative partnerships that
improve the economic condition
educational achievement health
instead of him being made.
Engagement our communities and
current county. We are the
largest Lula council in
California with over ninety
members all here in Kern county.
I'm gonna skip all world
economic facts that you heard
today for the second time thank
you- so do Icounsel thirty two
seventy two would like to offer
our support of Kern county
sports supervisors and local
oil and gas industry I see her
today the board of supervisors
and local producers have been
proactive in innovative. But
they need the cooperation of
the administration and
legislature to sustain local
production we requested the
ministration apply predictable
regulations and policies. To
attract. Investments and job
banks from other states and
other county countries into
Kern county.We are fortunate
to have the oil gas industry in
our area the industry provides
opportunity from which all of
our members directly or
indirectly benefit from both
through high quality jobs
insignificant participation and
voluntarism and our community.
Without their support our
consul would find it very
difficult to successfully
pursue our mission a major part
of our success ask California
look cancel the year. And
receiving the two thousand
nineteen for driving dreams
grant recipient was due to the
support given by the local and
gas producers and all of our
workers. Our council would not
be able to continue sponsoring
community events such as our
citizenship pork chops student
mentoring workshops and
scholarship fund raising at the
state curtails local production
one. Which around the
ministration and state agencies
and join with the board of
supervisors to our benefit
thank you very much thank you
so much one pre Shea what you
do. Russell is the- is the big
socialization realtors rep
still here Scott. Yes okay but
can I wrestle and then Scott
can you guys tiap and. Share
with us your brilliant insight
good to see Russell. Thank you
chairman press members of the
board thank you for providing
this forum for lots of the
folks in Kern county- to reveal
to provide their frustration
their fears. And also share
with folks that are directly in
line with Sacramento and can
take it back and hopefully make
a difference to impact us
positively here in Kern county-
my name's Russell Johnson here
on behalf of the associated
builders and contractors.
Central California chapter our
member companies of the
contractors that build the
infrastructure that make
enhanced oil. Recovery possible
in the state of California word
oil field story you know back
in the nineties ABC was started
right here in Kern county. With
the need for skilled trained
and safe work force. So a lot
of the major oil producers in a
lot of the contractors got
together and said Hey we need
to make a difference to skill
of our industry. Show they
established ABC our workforce
development training center of
which tens of thousands of
people. Have received our some
sort of craft skills or safety
training at our facility that
is uplifted their lives.
They're now electricians
they're welders their heavy
equipment off operators and
their safety professionals. And
that was all done it paid for
in invested in by the oil
production that occurs right
here in Kern county. Since
November amongst our member
companies we did a brief
survey. And we think the
numbers actually much higher
but just some among the member
companies of replied over
thirty million in projects have
been stopped since November.
That's thirty million projects
the people are not working the
people are not being hired. The
people are not getting trained
engineers a stop drawing.
That's a huge impact just right
here to current county thirty
million and we actually think
the number is much higher was
very informal survey amongst
our member companies so. From
our assertions associations
perspective and on the back
half of the people that we
train and help get employed in
and careers in construction we
ask that you please move
forward. Put our people back to
work keeping going and let's
keep up permits going in
California thank you. As Scott
meets his weight is Clinton
would be a still here all
here's Cullen could you make
your way I didn't realize you
were still here my apologies
Scott for a short. Madam chair
supervisors my name is Scott
knob that's K. N. O. D. B. I'm
representing the bigger still
association of realtors is a
pleasure to be here before you
today to discuss the proposed
California legislation. And
regulations that would
essentially shut down the oil
industry. The bigger so the
Xochitl tional realtors a
nonprofit organization that
serves more than twenty two
hundred realtors and industry
partners. In small towns in
large cities across the nation
realtors advocate for public
policy that promotes
homeownership and protect
private property rights. Boylan
in the oil and gas industry is
the largest industry in Kern
county by far. Not only does
this industry providing large
tax base for the county the
price on the highest paying
jobs for the community. The
average salary in the oil and
gas industry is around eighty
thousand dollars compare that
to the average income of Kerr
county about forty thousand
dollars. These good paying jobs
that provide families of
opportunities unparalleled by
other industries in our
community. These jobs make home
ownership a reality for more
many people in Bakersfield and
Kern county. As the leading- as
the local realtor voice we
fully support the industry that
provides opportunities for home
ownership in our community.
With governor Newsome's
proposal curry county could
potentially see lost jobs in
vanishing wages. This will
result in a lost tax revenue of
for roads schools and public
services but it will also%
result in lost income any
drastic drop in home ownership.
We applaud and support your
efforts to protect the industry
that are so vital to current
county. And I like to
personally thank you for your
time today your leadership in
consideration in protecting the
oil gas industry thank you well
said thank. Three C. leach make
a way down as well as Arianna
Hopen are you still here from
the farm bureau. Tracy come on
down please but is but is
Arianna here not here I know
she waited a long time my
apologies. A Tracy Hey and I'm
sure thank you so much members
of the board I scrapped my
comments Hallelujah I just want
to do one thing thank the
people of Kern county- current
systems for energy. Put out the
call and yes we were relentless
about it but you clearly at I
can't wait for you all to see
in the pictures video of your
first second third floor and
the three hundred plus people
who waited patiently outside.
God bless that was awesome-
they were prohibited from
coming in at at some point so
that was so cool thank you
supervisor Scrivner Frank
knighting this issue that was
amazing. And we're happy to
respond we just the people the
thousands of people who we've
interface with. Dolls acts
fault for the last month have
been so passionate they are so
proud of what they do they're
so proud of Kern county. And
it's hopefully that translated
today we just want to do what
we do best which is part of the
state of California. Thank you
thank you Frazier. Nice to see
the welcome back current county
thank you very much sure woman
there is- it is good to see you
as well because I've been on
that side of the dance I.
Promise to only take forty five
seconds. Thank some your pro.
Good evening madam chair
supervisor's supervisor
Scrivner thank you for your
leadership on this is very
critical issue. And thank you
for the opportunity to comment.
My name is Clint Olivier I
represent the business
federation of the Central
Valley. Biz fed for short we're
grass roots alliance coalition
of more than fifty businesses
and organizations. Representing
twenty thousand diverse
employers and over three
hundred thousand employees in
Kern county. We have our roots
are in Kern county with the
majority of our members working
and running their businesses
here. At biz fed we bring
together substations and
employers large and small to
share information expertise and
work toward. A thriving
economy. We believe a thriving
economy here in Kern county and
Central Valley of California
will help. Solving go a long
way toward solving many are
areas entrenched challenges
like hi concentrated poverty.
Unemployment and homelessness.
And that any phase out of the
oil and gas industry or owner
as additional regulation. Will
result in great economic loss
and a lower standard of living
for thousands of family. Krause
Kern county and in the Central
Valley. Keene toward the phase
out of fossil fuels would
decimate the Kern county
economy in particular and the
California economy at large.
Believe state leaders are
playing with fire on this
issue. We cannot afford a one
size fits all solution.
Californians and biscuits
Central Valley stand with the
oil and gas industry. Thank you
for coming down from Sacramento
to hear this. Thank you Charlie
for. Thank you very much it is
happy new year to you Clint and
get nice work you're doing I
we're gonna do you three
speakers and then we're gonna
take public comment so I'm
gonna ask of great good the
other so you still you're great
can you please go. Make your
way over and then branded
Archuleta. And then are you
here. Okay one thank you for
your patience if you could make
your way down and then lastly.
Tim Crawford are you still here.
Okay thank you Sir for you for
the time today my name's Greg a
terrace and in the presidency
of turtle full maintenance
corporation I'm also-
representing from the board of
directors associated builders
contractors and young
professionals and energy- oil
and gas is catapulted my career
my livelihood and the success
that I personally had. My first
job was only gas in a sixteen
years old. It allowed me to go
through college at cal state
Bakersfield and also Pepperdine
University where in my MBA all
that while working in the oil
and gas industry. It's been a
huge opportunity and it's not
just me that it provides
opportunity to it's the four
hundred plus employees. That
we've employed over the years
that allows that as well. Our
employees are able to buy homes
for their children their
college and do other great
things and interviewed her
community that's the opportune
that we provide. In addition to
that we're also doing it in the
cleanest most effect way
possible which is been.
Reiterated over today so I will
save those comments. But that's
the option that we provide here
and I want to make sure that we
continue doing that and
utilizing the resources that we
have in our own backyard in a
safe clean environmental
friendly way. Instead of
importing it from other places
and continue to get the
economic benefit that we can't.
Thanks for the time thank you.
My name is Brandon Archuleta.
My name is brand Archuleta and
I work for me for small company
a third generation family owned
energy company that operates in
Kern county. I started in the
wheel industry directly out of
high school with no experience.
I decided to work in the oil
industry because I didn't have
the opportunity to go to
college and I wanted to make a
good living. Now I have a wife
and three boys that I support.
I am here speaking for myself
and my fellow oil and gas
colleagues to share concerns
that we have. With the governor
and the legislators are. What
the legislators are doing to
our industry. Our governor
wants to stop the wheel
production in California and
reduce our or- our dependence
on fossil fuels to protect the
people. The environment and the
economy. Yeah California's
demand for fossil fuels
continues to grow. My concerns
are for the cover if the
governorship knew some shuts
down my industry how my going
to support my family. He says
that there will be new jobs
available but do those new jobs
are for the same or better pay
and benefits. What are the
guarantees what is the
guarantee that I will get that
new job and will I have to move
my family to get that new job.
Who is more important to
governing some are families or
a crown prince in Saudi Arabia.
Thank you. One more thing maybe
add the second amendment to the
sanctuary state thing. Thank
you for your time Sir okay this
is the public comment period
please please try to stick to
sixty seconds because we've got
a lot of folks and I do
appreciate can your fact I'm
sorry Mr. Your okay to wait all
gosh I'm so David do you mind I
appreciate it can could you
earlier I was told you had left
I saw you patiently waiting and
I'm- happy to see it was me can
I tell if. It was I was going
to say it but thank you bye. Of
madam chair supervisors- thank
you for coordinating this this
evening. Visitors and
Sacramento thank you for coming
my name is Ken Keller and CEO
of Bakersfield immortal
hospital part of dignity
health- won the largest
healthcare providers in the
entity. I'm also a native son
of Louisiana very. Very deep
roots in the oil and gas
industry. And supervisor
Gleason may note that I'm
Donnie Mike purple and gold
they- as a result of those
shoes victory last night. Two
things that haven't really been
talked about a whole lot the
oil and gas absolutely
impressive forty within this
community. First is in health
care in medical care. You know
we alked about- fuel and
everything else like that but
forget about the medical
products. That are made that a
petroleum based. We live with
it on a daily basis everything
from IV bags and solution. To
medical equipment to devices
that are placed in people to
keep them alive with out the
Olympic flame virtually
ministry. Driving here that be
a very very significant thing
to hurt us also the employers.
The partners that we have with
the volunteers the employees
themselves make themselves
known each and every day but
what they do what they promote
what they deliver and what they
provide within this community
for not for profits and others
with that with the loss of
those industries with the loss
of that industry be very very
monumental problem here in Kern
county. Thank you for your time
can thank you. Please state
your name for the record. Good
evening supervisors smis Krause
county staff. And the
governor's team thanks for
being here. My name is David
Abbas C. A. B. B. A. S. I am a
native of Bakersfield and I
love my home town. I'm also a
candidate for current county
supervisor district five. My
father is a retired executive
from Occidental petroleum
company. And coming from an oil
family I understand the
importance of the industry and
the need to stabilize our
economy. I also understand that
I understand the challenges the
unique challenges the- oil
industry is facing and that no
matter what Sacramento does the
industry will continue to have
problems due to a combination
of supply surpluses. Low prices
the struggling and unproven
business case for large scale
shale drilling. And the looming
threat of peak demand. On oil
price dot com the article they
had last month- regarding
chevrons eleven billion dollars
in devaluing of their assets. I
have a plan to work with the
oil companies in the
legislatures. Legislators to
him to ensure the financial
security of oil families and
help those transition those
losing jobs to transition to
high wage paying jobs. There
needs to be more action. And
there needs to be more done to
keep people working and
strengthen our economy. It's
time for new leadership. Kern
county in California deserves
better. Thank you thank you Mr
bossy- in next. Ms Krause can I
give you the article. I have
six copies for him keep keep
become and we want to hear from
everybody. Thank you. Good
evening my name is Camilla
Travis I'm the executive
director of the lotus work the
foundation our president the
lotus worth though was here
earlier and had to leave on
behalf of- the lotus worth that
and our foundation I'm here to
express our support. For the
environmental justice groups
and community residents that
have come before you today. EHF
works on education equity and
for those who said that the oil
industry supports local
education funding we say it's
not enough. We need to think
outside the box because if we
look at the state of education
in our region. It's not good in
two thousand. Seventeen only
85% of our students graduated
and 47% were eligible for
college. In two thousand
sixteen only 54% of children
ages three to five Horton- not
enrolled in preschool or
kindergarten Kern county is one
of the most elaborate regions
in the nation we can do better.
We had education leaders that
came before you that talked
about how the oil industry
supports education however the
recent increase billions of
dollars. Of going to education
came directly from the state
and this November voters will
have the opportunity continue
to continue to invest billions
of dollars more with the
passage of schools and
communities first. A local
green economy can and will
provide the employment and
training opportunities and
provide the revenue our local
economy needs let's invest in
training healthcare providers
teacher training and more it
can be done see step whether
thank you. Thank you Camilla.
My name is Lani curly K. E. R.
Ellie why I'm here as a new
young a new young new start up
company start up our company
twenty seventeen with to a
gentleman and now we've had
these regulation changes are
killing us we need consistent
regulations no more. Moving
targets from the deal. How Jim.
You know what we we've been
going through it's been tough.
I agree with Mr Gleason but I
think with what they're talking
about doing this managed many
of the oil to combine the oil
industry is gonna be
catastrophic Kern county. My
comment is let the free market
control this we're engineers we
were we not solve problems you
want to do this low card will.
Carbon the thing we'll figure
it out we'll work around it we
have everything just like the
fracking process. All those
permits are issued you guys are
listed on a process to do it we
did it. The industry did and
now we're getting blasted for
so we just need consistent in
and steady regulations that
would with that's it. Thank you
Sir. Thank you. Right now I'm
pressing thank you welcome
ma'am. Thanks I'm good evening
madam chair members of the
board of representatives from
Sacramento my name's funny
Garcia LA and I G. A. R. C. I.
A. I'm a regulatory specialist
a very petroleum I worked as a
wildlife biologist in the oil
and gas industry for the last
five years. I work full time
also raising my three young
children I am here today on
behalf of very and the oil and
gas industry to share my story.
And how the industry has
positively impacted my life. I
am a first generation Mexican
American and the oil and gas
industry has been part of my
life since I was born. My
mother began working at the
chevron refinery in Oildale and
my father doing chevron Kern
river as an operator. Both my
parents had a high school
education but because the oil
and gas industry offer
competitive wages. My sister
and I were afforded countless
opportunities this industry
demonstrated that we weren't
going to be limited by our
gender or race. We were the
first in our family to graduate
from college and both reside
here in Kern county. I entered
the workforce with student loan
debt but my job in the industry
has provided me the ability to
purchase a home have a family.
And make payments on my student
loan debt. I feel incredibly
fortunate to work for this
industry and provide a life for
my family in the same way my
parents provided for me. I'm
here today to ask our policy
makers in Sacramento to
consider the families and the
people you impact in Kern
county. We live here our
families live here we want to
continue to work responsibly
here and provide for our
families and for California.
Thank you. Thank you very much
keep it moving keep it coming.
My name is Lydia Cheney- C. H.
A. N. E. Y. thank you to madam
chairman supervisors and the
gas. I am I served as the
president of the greater to had
to be economic development
council and we talk about a lot
that happens here in the
Bakersfield area. I have to
tell you that we rely on the
resources of the county. Where
we live now I live in to hatch
be valley I am a small business
owner. And what I'm losing a
little bit on this funny about
this is out we eliminate a
large tax base from Kern county.
Where's the money going to come
from to pay for all the
homelessness that we keep
already throwing billions of
dollars at. So I don't as a
business owner money has to
come in for money to go well so
if we start to eliminate our
base here. You're gonna shut
down ancillary companies as
well as the oil industry. No
I'm gonna jump to some other
things because I think they're
important to share- we know
that governor Newsome it
believes in human rights he
signed a B. thirteen twenty
stating California. Knowledges
the Armenian genocide he made
some Francisco one of this the
state's most beautiful cities.
Into homeless refuge into a
sanctuary city and to a drug
addicts dream. And he's also
pass the crown out now we take
those things and we look at
that but what I want to know is
how is he going to explain.
Sending our oil production to
countries who if you're from
the LBGT community you're dead
you're gone they don't believe
in Christianity it's a crime.
So if we want to be stewards of
our environment here in
California and we want to be
the example for the world on
climate change. There is not a
wall around us everything goes
beyond as we can't let the
dirty oil becoming from
countries that have no
regulations. Pull that killed
people because of their beliefs
so I don't understand where the
balances from the governor's
perspective of destroying our
natural resources that we have
right here that our god given
rights to us. To take and to
send them out to places that do
not care for the United States
so please ask the governor on
my behalf and on my-
communities behalf to
reconsider. This thought thank
you so much keep it movin thank
you. Good evening madam chair
and members of the board my
name is Lisa Rollins and I am
the health and safety manager
for berry petroleum. I'm here
today on behalf of berry and
oil and gas industry to share
my personal story of
opportunity and success. I was
hired at the age of twenty one
years old as a roustabout in
the oil fields. I was one of
very few women in the industry
at the time. The company ot
only paid my full tuition to go
back to school. They pay my
wages while I was on the campus
and they pay my fellow workers
overtime to cover my ships.
Over the next thirty years I
was promoted through the ranks
into leadership positions.
Sorry I'm a little nervous.
You're doing great in two
thousand and eight I took a
position in environmental
health and safety and I am
dedicated the past twelve years
to protecting people and the
environment that's what I do
every single day. I'd like to
add I'm a wife I'm a mother and
I am a grandmother of fourteen
grand children. I am a taxpayer
I'm a registered voter and I am
the oil industry thank you
thank you for your time. Madam
chair other supervisors thank
you I was prepared for two
minutes today and I only have
one so it's going to seem a
little discombobulated. But
what I do is I explore for oil
and gas. David Hartley H. A. R.
T. Ellie why and Mister couch I
know him- and he is exactly
right that we have a lot of
petroleum left to be produced
here in Kern county a lot of it
and discovered. Lot of it just
needs other avenues of extract
Matt. So I'm going to not going
to focus on that forty five
years I'm gonna focus on my
second favorite passion and
that's- and rival in eco fraud.
The eco **** who want to
control every aspect of our
lives. And I said that echo
frauds. And they've created a
false fear that somehow the
earth will over heat from CO
two emissions. Caused by the
consumption of oil and gas
nobody's touched on this today.
This broad man caused warming
is patently false and there are
zero facts for warming caused
by CO two. Recorded in the long
geological record of the earth
are CO two levels that are ten
times higher. Than we have
today and those plants and
animals that lived at that time
thrived and there was no
unnatural warming. Ma'am
because climate change is a
fraud it's a ruse. For imposing
radical economic change the
echo frauds are demonizing or
modern lifestyle and they don't
walk the talk by the way and
want to take us back to a
primitive lifestyle. Of D. N.
dust realization socialism this
is not about climate we've
heard it from a- sees campaign
chairman we've heard it from
other people high at the United
Nations it's not about climate.
It's about changing the
economic system that's the ruse
CO two is a biological gas
necessary for life it's not a
pollutant it was only made a
pollutant under the Obama
administration EPA. It's the
equivalent importance to oxygen
another biological gas it's
patently ridiculous to
decriminalize life giving CO
two can you. Can we do thank
you s what can we do we start
by realizing the way Sacramento
operates those who make the
most noise get the legislation
they desire these guys are the
handmaiden for the
environmental lobby. It's
unfortunate but that's how
Sacramento politicians operate
they respond to pressure an
example is the teachers young
and now I love teachers that
they're very well organized
they get what they want if they
sense that legislation may not
go their way they'll send a
thousand or two thousand people
to Sacramento. To ensure
passage of the legislation they
support the oil industry will
need to wake up and I think
they may be doing that today
and a drop the same tactics if
we don't start immediately
making more noise than the echo
frauds me where's we may as
well pack our bags and by one
way ticket out of California.
And supervisor Maggard I would
always shop you're a sanctuary
county the oil production I
think you're going to need it
and wemay take a look at join
up with some other counties and
build a bridge to the state of
Nevada maybe join up leave
California. Leave these guys
and join up with a more
friendly stay. Thank you very
much thank you very much
appreciate your passion. The
Phillies. Good evening my name
is Julie Sally's J. U. L. I. E.
S. O. L. A. S. I'm a valley
fever awareness advocate and
I'm also a candidate for
California State Assembly
thirty fourth district and I'm
here because we all have the
same goals we should all want a
prosperous economy good jobs
and a healthy place to live
this means we should be working
together to insure the best
future for current. Now when I
was in line earlier there were
hundreds possibly even over a
thousand people here. And what
they were telling me that their
boss told them that today was
their work day show up they
didn't know the issues they
didn't know what was going on.
They just knew today I please
please don't do that okay. If
these I hear the oil executives
talking as this as if they care
about their employees if they
cared about their employees in
nineteen eighty five when the
oil industry started to
decline. We would have started
searching for other avenues to
start training our employees
and to I diversify our economy
that did not happen. All I've
heard today is people whining
complaining nobody has a
solution governor Nissan has
sent his administration here
with an offer of millions of
dollars. To bring aid to Kern
county to help us a die first
by our economy and instead of
people coming up here with
solutions we have these people
complaining we now solutions
when you ask them what would
they do. Not know. No solutions
is what they brought to date
I'm here because I want to see
at that table because I know
the importance of. Moving
forward that old dinosaur like
glass is dying. Need missile
first can you wrap up Earlimart
please. Three minutes okay and
you didn't interrupt him my
manager this is not a venue for
campaigning or partisan
politics not I need to wrap it.
Okay campaigning I would bring
up about you're worried about
Saudi Arabia when you. That
would be me. This is not good
for you. Not good. Okay okay I
appreciate talking to you not
can you wrap up casually yeah
thank you thank you. Sure due
to the toxins in the air our
people our children actually
lose levels of their I you. And
I'd like to ask Mister Barlow
where is that nineteen million
the thought she's worried about
funds for our school. Nineteen
million he needs new leadership
and I'm like you he's yeah yeah
I'm not Xochitl and then. Very
impressive thank you please
come forward thank you good
evening madam chair members of
the board hi my name is Josh
Taylor a lifelong resident of
Kern county and tonight I
representing the more than four
thousand four hundred skilled
and trained union carpenters-
in our community of local six
six one. Here in the Central
Valley oil and gas have always
been tantamount to economic
development and sustainability
for our community. Other
currently hundreds of union
carpenters working on oil
related projects throughout the
county and these folks are
building necessary structures
and maintaining the ancillary
equipment associated with the
Strack extraction processing
and transportation of the black
gold the fuels our local
economy. So as you move forward
from today's meeting and with
consideration from the comments
you've heard today please stand
with your constituents in the
oil and gas industry who build
better community wealth thank
you. Thank you for your time.
Thank. Hey I'm serious with you
we got one minute. Hello my
name is Curtis Zane Benham
senior serving our lord and
savior ago money Jesus Christ
who truly is the only begotten
son of a holy of any father god
almighty also like to thank. My
male supervisors of man kind
enough to give us the First
Lady. Let her be to chair. The
board is a beautiful thing well
deserved congratulations- like
the braided hello and say
reduce because bless all the
leaders in the house and also-
just would like to say no town
city or country can make it
well law enforcement to fight
apartment or to do to get
tourney. You got a look at the
facts with the approve you
can't make it without also one
old company been taking away
money is put all that was in
jeopardy because we got less
long foreign foreign opposite
on the street. The lord said a
row much of the thirteen law
enforcement are his minister we
all go leave me and we will
face reality winning a bit does
me no more. Locking the door
tonight get in the car watch
what you doing whole your purse
washes person car jacking is
out there every single day to
lawyers they watch and very is
he will run in everywhere. And
so we want to recognize just
exactly what's taking place was
really really really important
as I just wanted a highly
stressed we got to take a look
at our law enforcement again to
fight apartment got to be on
duty they said in fires
everywhere. You know the
district attorney got to do
with some of the toughest cases
there is if one for that who
would be protected does mom and
Daddy wouldn't is the law
enforcement out there we got to
recognize how important is when
you take away from. Money from
me and when you put all of us
in Germany and all the people
that you're seeing today-
sacramental one thing I hope
you have when your heart all on
people is worried about that
you get put in a billion for
the homeless and many of them
is worried about become
homeless. Behind this situation
a lot of may thinking straight
anymore because now honey
should be given a car so we
Boron know when she was in the
kids grew we don't really know
what's taking place so you got.
A good idea of what's taking
place. And what the people. So
far as far as since then to a
lot of work for the four out of
bondage attorney. On all that
you do can you please remember
Kern county we got a very good
department far. Below this you
don't we just get you some more
fun than can that be just a
separate issue. That you would
really take consideration of we
could really use it. And when
you helping people who got our
money Jeez got was surely bless
you back. Thank you some common
and I pray god bless them thank
you Sir. Thank you. One down.
My name is bill of Loretta- L.
A. R. R. E. A. I work for E.
and B. natural resources on the
rig superintendent- just have
not here to talk about the
numbers pretty much here to put
a face to the industry and- let
you know that yeah I'm born and
raised here and he's bigger
still that grew up through no
elementary to do than all to
Campo and see the California
youth authority. To the
physicist the and so my point
is that a this industry save my
life and that way that happened
was a I was implemented in a
program to the California youth
authority and it got me a job
in the industry which these
people are willing to give a
second chance CEQA. Yes wow and.
And now here today you know
without a college education
makes sixty years able to break
that chain of cycle and provide
for my family and my son so-
positive member the community
now and getting back to the-
community. As a taxpayer. Good
evening my name is Debbie badly
I'm a small business owner in
the community I own a locksmith
service it's not related
necessarily to the oil
industry. I'm here. To bring a
couple points to you all which
I'm sure you might be aware of
if the oil industry goes south
in our- community. Not only are
we facing already a huge huge
homeless problem but they bring
a lot of not only tax base but
they do good in our community
they contribute. To our local
charities are local sports
groups a lot of things they do
more above and beyond I don't
know many other industries the
whole. That do that you're
talking about a smooth
transition but who are the
companies I don't see the solar
farms contributing like that.
But the oil companies due to
the communities. And if a lot
of these oil based community
jobs go away. But see I'm a
small business owner the people
that by my service are going to
have the money they're going to
be. Homeless they're going to
be worrying about more for
foreclosures like what happened
about ten to fifteen years ago
when all that happened all the
foreclosures. So the houses are
going to be gone there's no
market coming into town the
small businesses it's a huge
trickle down effect. And Taft
would become basically a ghost
town and all the other little
communities in Bakersfield
would die a slow miserable
death. Now I'm not saying that
we don't welcome additional
state input and other industry
bring it on Kern county some
wonderful place we have great
weather. And we have a lot of
opportunity to support many
many different industries I
don't I think it perhaps is
premature to say. We're cutting
out oil industry as a whole my
son is AT- unaware allowed the
kid he works for an oil
industry in the bay area and
they're under huge fire right
now- we don't. Have sorry ma'am
yeah you think please consider
and putting a bear viable plan
in place. Before you just
eighty six the industry without
of something else to go to
that's going to replace all
those jobs and- security that
our community. Enjoy that's
thank. Thank you ma'am very
much. Hello hi guys doing- I
like your work- thank you-
first and foremost- my name is
Gerry Flores F. L. O. R. E. S.
and- I know we're we're running
on the time but- I come from.
I'd sit a chain of ugh in gangs
and- I'm from Holly counting
ambled of you to Bakersfield
became a resident fifteen years
ago. And I work for EMB natural
resources and I first started
out as a as a job and then it
became my career and then it
changed my life I've been
through- I've been in the
system in the CDC. Half of my
life- I'm not proud but I could
share my story and help others
I got two beautiful daughters
and in a wonderful son. And a
beautiful wife of course and-
what EMB they don't see me for
this or my gang culture. Or
such and such a being before
for me is being responsible
being on time and give me a
career in giving me an
opportunity. And I'm breaking
the cycles I was just bought a
home from my family. And I'm
able to do things that I never
in my life that I'll never
thought I would be here I was
usually sitting in Folsom.
Blotting out my next move
Lamont on my next case. And
through the through the oil in
the oil industry it it they
gave me a turn around. I'm able
to be here and finding you find
people not on a parole try to
be released just saying thank
you got a man they would all
work together. The school.
Popular police department. Open
our first responders thank you
so much and have a nice thank
you can be thank you. Okay try
to top that Sir No Way. I wish
I had a much view yeah my had a
lot of our work. Thank you
madam chairman. For drug voter
supervisors people from the
state of California I I've- run
a six page. Can I get your name
Sir I'm sorry my name's Bob
sure I'm a senior vice
president of Monterey only gas
company was born and raised in
Oildale California working the
current general industry for
fifty five years they're
working on projects and
developed and produced over two
billion barrels of oil. Managed
engineering staffs the develop
significant. Project here in
Kern county hi Bedard working
for major oil companies I've
been an independent oil
producer gonna consultant who
wrote the owner I have a lot of
interest and love of Kern
county. Many things are road
like good afternoon. Things
like that are cut out a date
right now. Then I and I
appreciate. You coming to
current county listening to us
and- what I've listened today
from the three of you. Our
differed from early before the
three of you private message to
us. That there is hope to do
something. I was gonna start my
speech saying. Most people here
today are facing losing their
jobs. I don't think so. I think
there's a future- carries
energy world and America
important part of that is a
good clean California oil
business. That essentially
phones the alternate energy
and- the billion dollars a year
we paying cap and trade taxes
that's what gives the tax
incentives to get solar
projects and things like that.
So don't cut us off or those
projects are gonna be economic.
There we did receive your
comment Sir we provided them
and we'll give them to the
governor's staff is what we got
to wrap up Sir. What goes carbs
cap and trade credit procedures
and such need to be revised and
reviewed also the carb low
carbon fuel standard credits
need to be looked at the-
current Kerry oil is not dirty
oil. Kerry oil is this the
cleanest produced oil around
we- we don't dump oil in the
ditch anymore we have a very
clean operation. And I think
that needs to be reviewed. The
never had thing what we ask for
an industry. There's thousands
of Wells Fargo for exemptions
someone being delayed as many
as six years. There's a half a
billion dollars that is waiting
to be invested in projects and-
there are companies working on
in California. And waiting on
aka for exemptions that have
been. Three or four times and
got changed to revise and
revise and revise. Got to have
some focus on now. In all of
those wells Bedard. Affected by
you know extreme tracking
issues are extreme pressures
let's get a process. Thanks to
be done here in California and
we can't support imported oil
that isn't. Done the way we do
things in California thank you
so much Sir thank you thank you
very much. Good evening- I like
to thank the board of
supervisors are you guys thank
you guys for coming it's great
to have an opportunity to talk
he'll he'll come back so can
you speak into the microphone
giving in. To my name is rod
guys that's our O. D. G. U. I.
C. E. of the seven highest
crude oil producing states in
America California is the only
state of the seven. Were
production kept declining after
the two thousand fifteen oil
price drop. When governor
Newsome was I took office our
production declined got worse.
In my opinion this is due to
over regulation and anti oil
bias the phase out of
California production is not
just being studied it's
actually under way. And it's
her Californians who work in
oil and gas and have lost their
jobs worse yet. California's
energy policies of her to Saul
when I travel and talk to the
public I ask them what they
think about the oil and gas
industry one comment that I
frequently here is that we
don't like oil and gas because
of the- prices you charge at
the gas pump. Well here's the
fact. In all Californians pay a
dollar and eight cents in
government taxes and fees per
gallon of gasoline everywhere
in California. Not a sense of
where it goes to the state of
California. So if anyone is
overcharging the public at the
pump here it's the government
not be willing to pass
industry. Electricity is also
expensive 23% of our power
comes from wind and solar which
is much more expensive false
Wofford. The average cost of
electricity here in California
is 6% higher than the rest of
the United States of America
and over a million households
in California. Right now we're
living in energy poverty they
can't afford or can barely
afford to pay their electricity
Sir I'm gonna have to ask you
to wrap up thank you. If you
work in oil and gas by gasoline
or pay for electricity in
California the state of
California is hurt your
livelihood. Here are the facts
the oil and gas industry does
not deserve to be phased out.
In a hundred and seventy years
falso feel industry has power
to global industrial
revolution. The big side effect
of which is that it's lifted
billions of people out of
poverty. Hunger and disease and
improve the quality of their
lives worldwide. The small
effect in a hundred and seventy
years CO two concentrations in
the air. Have increased by one
ten thousandth the non affect
that has nothing to do with
global fossel for use as a
global temperature and a
hundred seventy years. Rose
from fifty seven degrees the
fifty eight point four degrees
Fahrenheit. In fact there's no
valid scientific evidence the
global temperatures and sea
levels are storm energies are
catastrophically rising or
worsening. And there's no need
to sacrifice oil and gas
production in California. For
foreign oil or wind and solar
that cost too much and can't
generate close to the power we
need. Governor Newsome should
have the courage to stand by
California's oil and gas
industry. Eliminate the
moratorium is in reverse the
over regulation I'm proud to
have spent forty two years
working in the oil and gas
industry. To help produce the
most of fun affordable abundant
and reliable energy resource in
history Sir thank you. Thank
you very much. Hi my name is
Laura Rosenberger a fluid
containing hydrogen sulfide
endocrine disrupting and our
carcinogenic Paul Tyler
gathered compounds. Pushed up
through an abandoned oil well
no the midway sunset oil field
and oil Vera oil company
supervisor was killed when he
fell into a ten foot diameter
crater of a 190 degrees fluid
this is article on Phrack
tracker dot org little. Title
literally millions of failing
abandoned wells is by Kyle for
our March twenty ninth two
thousand nineteen. Is it likely
that the oil water that's built
into the stream bed containing
radium and was radioactive
since other produce water on
the west side of Central Valley
was over them out loud in
drinking water for radium. Some
samples were a thousand times
over see environmental working
group data clean water action
found an increased rate of
thyroid disease and lost hills.
Shells known to contain radium
those brought up by fracking
fluid it builds up the scale of
pipes and must be disposed of
as hazardous waste. But scape
article hydraulic fracturing.
Ma'am can you please wrap up I
don't mean. Seven American
people leave the climate
changes emergency but I feel
about how many hours we work
most won't keep up with the
creasing quest of. Read it sort
of medicine more we work
increases by rate of. Thank you
thank you ma'am Sir your name.
Me just get this direct hi my
name my name is Peter Hernandez
H. E. R. N. A. N. D. easy with
with the Z. not as- yeah so who
else is hungry right. So I.
Yeah so I am I'm I am the
engagement manager for climate
policies with California
Otterbein and I'm here to talk
about something that literally
no one else in these six hours
has talked about which is the
seven. Seven yes- which is the
impact of climate change and
economic cost on wildlife and
naturists arses as well to-
organization did- last year
brick produce report called
survival by degrees- which is a
you know CPAC based
scientifically reviewed report.
That identified and Kern
county- over a hundred and
thirty different species of
birds that are risk of
extinction. So what I wanted to
raise and you know hopefully
for everyone here in this room
to consider is the economic
cost of the loss of
biodiversity. The economic cost
of extinction of keystone-
animals in the ecosystem but
also the economic cost of
repairing natural working lands
and the rich natural resources-
two healthy sustainable
conditions suitable for
wildlife and the communities.
Which we were thoroughly enjoy
them as well to sell again with
I just wanted to raise those
issues because again there have
not been at. At the table and
again I'm you know if the
animals could vote I'm sure
they'd be here as well to but-
delivered watch I appreciate
what you do yeah yeah. Again so
just wanna raises issues again
just to for issues to be
reconsidered and also I just
wanted to say if there is going
to be appalled follow up and
you know I've been to this. It
might be helpful to host this a
special supervisors meeting
perhaps on the weekend just so
you know folks don't have to
leave- you know just for
inclusivity but thank you for
your time and everyone for
stains along. Thank you. Please
share tone Sir. Hi I just want
to start by saying thank you to
the Boron Preciado your nature
my name's damage loss hi Jim
and I'd also like to thank miss
search of using an investor and
took part coming down from
Sacramento- again my name is
Jimmy Slawson I'm a licensed
hair and a licensed
professional geologist I work
for in the natural resources
I'm one of the tens of
thousands of men and women who
comprise the California oil and
gas industry. Many of us came
here from other states and even
across the world to work here.
We raise our families here this
is our home and we are all
Californians. There's been lots
of lots of good points and fax-
my underlying message is%
reality scientists engineers we
have to deal with reality.
Founded by the laws of physics.
The facts are that for every
single legend vehicle in
California there a hundred and
fifteen powered by oil
Californians consume 20% of all
the jet fuel in the United
States. This is important
because jet fuel contains forty
three times the amount of
energy per unit mass and the
most advanced batteries this at
at present. And won't be able
to replicate that power for
many decades ago. It's really
unlikely that any living person
of did it of today will
actually ever see the end of
oil this is because the oils
also using thousands of
products that we have learned
to become dependent on. Notable
examples include
pharmaceuticals a treat disease
and fertilizers and crops that
feed us heavy crude oil the
kind that is abundant in
California is actually used to
create carbon fiber
centerhouston wrap it up please
yes thank you wind turbines
everyone for noble energy. We
can't ignore the facts in
science. There are limitations
green energy governed by the
laws of physics and
thermodynamics. Unless unless
we switch to a nuclear power.
We will not have a reliable
energy grid and fossil fuels
will fill that void for the
time being in conclusion to the
manage decline of California
oil production is also the
deliberate destruction of our
local economy this will have
enormous ramifications on our
careers and our families
livelihoods. It will ultimately
impact every California. As
long as there is a strong
demand for oil consumption in
California. It's best for the
economy environment to produce
a here locally thank you. Thank
you Sir appreciate you. Find my
name is Gerry John Amstutz I'm
president of the Kern river
valley democratic club. I'm a
regular member of the Kern
county democratic Central
Committee. And a member of the
environmental caucus. And the
ruler caucus and the
progressive caucus. And can I
speak into the microphone I
could barely hear. I wrote the
green new deal twelve times.
And handed endorsed by my club
and our Central Committee right
here- and sent it up to
Sacramento along with many
other Democrats lots of us do
this okay so what happens up
there. Is it's just still it's
combined and we come up with
one document okay and that's
called the California
Democratic Party. For okay okay
that represents our values okay
so if you want to know I keep
hearing from Mike. And Mick you
know why are you doing what
you're doing what is it okay
okay read that document okay
that that's our values. All
right and so. We endorse the
green new deal it but why why
all right climate change air
pollution toxic oil spills wars
in the Middle East health care
costs. Oil will renounce Sunday
economic stability. Okay when I
think of climate change I think
of a bath tub. If you walked
into your bathroom in the
bathtub was overflowing what's
the first thing you would do.
You reach down to the faucet
and turn it off. You mean you
wouldn't buy energy credits in
trying to trade them you
wouldn't go to cap and trade.
Now you've reached out of the
faucet and turn it off right.
And that's what we gotta do.
And why. Okay because it's an
existential threat to life on
this planet. Nick go to the I.
P. C. C. website and look up
the document special one DOT
five okay report for policy
makers go to page twelve Kerry.
We got a rather loud no I just
started we understand seven
hours I'm on the second
paragraph you can provide your
employment scary- but these
folks were supposed to be on a
plane in thirty minutes in
Burbank there who wrote to
still be here in my opinion
we've really got a move this
scary so help me please. Debbie
I'm glad to terriers comments
let. You know my number and I
to get a hold. It just everyone
will be retrained for another
job. Okay that's justice okay
just transfer everybody is
gonna be if you if you can't
find a job the government is
going to hire you right guys
we're gonna have a just
transition smile as right Gary.
Yes all right last for a roof
air pollution causes makes
worse lung cancer heart disease
COPD and asthma California
cities like LA buy sell your
biggest feel sacrament of
Fresno San Diego San Jose are
the worst ozone polluted cities
in the entire country where
does ozone come from cars with
internal combustion engines and
power plants that such a okay
you were asking earlier Mike
what's the difference between
coal and natural gas Gary Cole
is up here and a thousand parts
per million. Natural gas is
about four hundred so is
natural gas cleaner yes but
it's still dirty because solar
is down here like ten okay that
answers that question queue you
don't have to take that back to
you can submit your comments
but please bring your comments
to an end. Kerry seven hours
for this. D. at we met at seven
AM they've been going now
twelve hours taking comment
from the public and making
themselves available so I we're
trying to don't vote for trump.
Vote for birdie sand. Okay okay
Sir your name please and for
the record. Yeah I hate to
break it to the lady in the red
but I'm less Clark to third and
four five and six is owns a
good luck. And I'll tell you
what that guy right there has
done more for people in this
county than anybody that I know.
Now I'm a less Clark it's no
charge to social problems- I'm
the disturb or social- social
programs on the district
administrator west side
recreation park district. And
I'm also the bra- president
Taft chamber of commerce. I
represent over twenty thousand
people on the west side. Of
from Tubman to derby acres to
dust the makers of Ford city
the south Taft. And I'm here to
tell you the logo on the cap
West Side reckon park district
is embossed with. Oil Derrick.
And the reason it's a boss with
an older because because that's
the life blood of us. 65% of
the oil industry were dependent
on it's a district. Social
programs like after school
programs kickball baseball
football soccer a plethora of
things I could go on and on not
to mention over a hundred
employees the west side
recreation park district.
Employees not to mention the
website health care district-
that- is operated and is at
least 65% depending. On the oil
industry well yeah that's right
west side healthcare district
the Miskito district. You don't
want those risky Jersey yeah
keep the oil. The cemetery
district there's a bunch of
these folks going on status of
France's go crazy if you don't
have sports and after school
programs. The west side
recreation park district is
proud of our partners the
chevron with the lady in the
red mentioned earlier. They
give us money every year for
social programs is called
striving to optimize
participation. What does that
mean that means that if little
Johnny can't afford to play
soccer they pay for it. So
without further ado either you
guys need to drink more water
you got bladders. Like animals
let's hurry and get this thing
going. No word thank you for
being here my name's has had a
year I am a community organizer
with the central California my
mental justice network. And
especially a big thank you for
that state staff has been here
for awhile. One of the
arguments that we've heard is
that California does a cleaner.
The California air resource
board gives a list of carbon
intensity based on oil field
every year- the most oil
intensive- oil field in Ecuador
gets a rating of ten point
seven calling us twenty five
point eight one. In Saudi
Arabia the most oil intense
field is nine point two three
midway sunset is twenty nine
point three three. The most
intense oil field in Venice
well as twenty three point zero
four round mountain is twenty
four point zero four in
Colombia it's eleven point
seventy eight- and. There is no
in a race that. Meaning Kern
county is not a good example of
how we do it clean here
specifically in Kern county
were more. Intensive per barrel
that we produce then the
dirtiest countries that you
guys mentioned earlier this is
thanks to roles like the rule
forty six twenty three of our
local air district. Which
allows people who are
considered small producers that
make less than six thousand
barrels per day. Be exempt from
all air mitigation efforts from
our local- pollution control
district the same recoil filled
with producing three thousand
barrels per day when it spilled.
In two thousand fourteen the
head assessor made Kern county.
Declare a state of emergency
due to plunging oil prices this
is because oil companies are
worried about profits and
that's why they left on county
if there is no just transition
the workers are the ones we're
gonna have to pick up the
pieces and if they don't have a
bridge or a chance to
transition to another job you
will be the ones who are
responsible for burning their
bridge. Thank you. Ms facility
nice to see nice to see you in
a little while it's been a
while. Of my name is Laurie
Passante and I'm a constituent
and Mister Gleason district and
I chose to be here today
because- my son almost died.
When he was two over there
Bakersfield memorial related to
a respiratory related illness.
And he has since had chronic
issues with its health related
to respiratory problems- my
daughter is now looking at a
third surgery related to
something similar- and we'll
find out on Valentine's day.
You want to feel the love there
it is. And so I came here
because my primary concern was
environmentally related. But
after watching what has
unfolded today. I am more
concerned about the role of oil
and gas money in decision
making power structures in this
county. I have never seen what
I saw today. With the exception
of our federal elected
leadership you saw in front of
you today what constitutes.
Every decision maker in this
county with any kind of power
and you can see what all those
philanthropic endeavors and all
those donations have bought the
oil and gas industry. They
bought them today the full
support of this county At the
expense of my kids. When we
move forward it has got to be
with some more transparent and
I would like very much to see
the state. Explain to us. Who
is this delegation that's
coming from Kern county to go
talk to you guys. How much
money are they getting from the
oil and gas industry. And where
is the plan to include people
like me who are directly
affected by whatever we do in
the future of this county.
Please share with us this
information and please include
us thank you thank you
something thank you. Sir your
name. Hi my name is- Mike
finch. I don't have any special
credentials are titles just a
Kern county resident for fifty
one years and I've never had a
respiratory problem- what are
her tonight was there's a plan
a which is working with the
state. To transition us off of
fossil fuel so I understand
that. That's something that
needs to happen but I agree
with- supervisor Scrivner and
chat Hathaway I hope we have
another plan. I think we owe it
to ourselves to do that we need
to be thinking about something
in case it doesn't work out.
There was a couple items here
that I would that if I'm not a
supervisor but I guess if I was
to be a couple questions that I
would want to ask them. The
first one would be is. There's
a lot of- confidence coming
from your group and I for every
single. Envionmental group of
here tonight say that there's
going to be a bunch of jobs.
But they're going to be
available and that we don't
have to worry that we're gonna
be able to transition. If
that's the case then let's put
a guarantee behind. Once you
guys put a plan together that's
a guarantee to say listen we
want to know what you made will
average out over the last ten
years whatever that may be.
Will compensate for if our
policy ends up making you lose
your job. I think that's
something you can do you guys
said that you're willing to do
stuff like that I'd like to see
that in the plan. Right that
seems like it's a fair thing.
Some big numbers rolling
around. Six billion for this
hundred fifty million for that.
Put up some money to come see
some of the people that are
gonna lose their jobs. The
other one to the keep talking
about the integrity of the
process. Recently you guys had
a disclosure or you guys went
through. The state. Ended up
terminating the supervisor for
the division of oil and gas.
Because he- apparently didn't
disclose on a seven one hundred
form. They had investments. In
fossil fuels. And so he was
removed from his position. How
do we ave guarantees that the
people that are going to be
doing the studies and the
agencies that you oversee. Our
members of environmental
groups. That's a conflict of
interest to. And I think that
they- was that I want to know
the people there overseeing our
industry. And the ones that are
going to be writing this
report. Have integrity and the
only way that I think we can
find that. Is that people are
not part of anti fossil fuel
groups because- I don't care
what anybody says we have
nothing in common with those
groups. They want to in the oil
go on anyone other Facebook
pages and you can re what
they're saying. They want to
stop oil do not be fooled by
this stuff. Thank you. Thank
you Sir. Good evening my name
is Kristen cracked up for K. R.
A. F. T. H. E. F. E. R. I
realize it's mouthful. I'm
coming to you today as a
citizen here in Bakersfield I'm
a third generation Oildale men.
But also I'm a breast cancer
survivor. And like gave me
certain teen and very uncertain
time was my dad. He said
Kristin you'll never be
homeless. I know the your adult
but you can always come home.
He was able to say that because
he has a sound business small
business here Baker spell. My
dad spoke earlier today. And.
Would lost that certainty that
he gave me as his grown up
child saying this I don't know
what my future the people in
this room get to make the
decisions and Havilah influence
on his certainty of his future
for not only his kids which is
me but my family as well and I
would just really hoping you
see a bigger picture and that
you guys look at homelessness I
was scared I was going to lose
my home when I was fighting
cancer my dad being able to say
to me. Kristin it's going to be
okay. You will always have a
home. He's not able to see that
now. And what does that mean to
a family. I would hope that you
guys would consider that thank
you thank you ma'am. We are
almost done here Mike will you
be coming down I think you're
the last speaker if you could
make your way. That's right
this up. Madam chairman nice to
see sting to members of the
board good evening. The my
name's Kelly beard and I'm the
director of the California
State University. Bakersfield
small business development
center and I'd be remiss if I
didn't just say a couple of
words briefly about the impact
of this measure in this the-
we'll have on small business
there is thousands of small
business owners that would be
impacted. And with that tens of
thousands of jobs we started
with the downturn we saw a
little bit happen but there's
so much regulation already in
the state of California please
don't out anymore and please
help we can do to help or small
businesses that provide jobs.
Provide services and provide
benefits to all of world
current county into current
county in in total thank you.
Thank you maricopa could you
make your way over I know that
you were here much of the
afternoon and then. Wanted to
wait after public comment which
I think is very gracious.
Welcome to the State name for
the record. Good evening madam
chair members of the board
Karen go near the city of
Bakersfield. Good evening
welcome to current county where
we feed. And view all the world.
Welcome to Kern county where
our families have the same
hopes and dreams. That our
governor has. For Montana. For
hunter. For Brooklyn and for
Dutch. The families who spoke
Jerry Kristin. They want a
future they want the same
future that you do for your
children. That secretary
Williams wants for his three
beautiful children. And what we
what we are asking of you
tonight. That you will listen.
To the comments that have gone
forward take those to heart.
Listen to the tax that you have
heard. And work o gather with
us we want to partner we choose
to partner with you to bring
hoping in future that current
county needs the governor is
talked about regions rising
together. And we ask that you
support us in a waythat
current county will be one of
those regions in California
that will rise together this is
about people. This is about
families thank you so much for
being here tonight thank you
mayor. All set. And came to
Turnipseed- I got here twelve
oh five this afternoon was it a
long time and waiting I Michael
Turnipseed I represent the
current county taxpayers
association and after listening
everything also. Is the rules
of unintended consequences.
Twenty five years ago we had
the best utilities in the
nation. Deregulation happened
in nineteen ninety five P.
genies bankrupted twice and so
in California just it isn't
just missed it- we look at our
great carb air pollution rules
they require other businesses
excel all their trucks and get
rid of their engines. They all
go out of state so they bring
Nevada there in Iowa they come
drive to our state the buy out
of state dirty fuel and air by
California a fuel are clean
fuel so that's where bigger
fuel consumption is going down
to their buying it. In other
states when you go down ninety
nine freeway I do this little
test when I go to Sacramento.
How many out of state trucks
for high. I can't twenty
trucks. What percentage of
trucks are out of state trucks
went up and down the ninety
nine in the five. Depending on
the day anyway from one third
to two thirds. That's the
problem we shifted our dirty
trucks. In our problems not
stationary pollution. It is
mobile pollution angles rather
the rule of unintended
consequences because people
never thought about what is
really going to be like in the
end. Remember that. All I went
over twenty semi thank you I
really appreciate you thank
you. My most critical partner
in Kern county. Cancel
reservation gentleman I just
cannot express to you enough
how grateful I am- what class
acts you are and how gracious
you have been to listen to the
hearts of current county not
everybody's on the same page
but the authentically shared
with you. Real fierce and real
concerns about the future of
which I know you care I know I
see it in you I've had
conversations with you today
and yesterday and I'm just so
grateful for you. Out would you
like to make a closing remark
if not that's okay but I
certainly would ask Lorelei- no
okay gentleman. Anything. Just
thank you for having us here
and- glad to hear. It in my
city. I just want to repeat
thank you for having us here
and giving us the time to
listen to the voices of your
community we appreciate it
thank you so much really and
the bottoms and thank you show
interest. Thank you so much
really god bless you guys. Safe
travels back to Sacramento to
my colleagues thank you Kathy
your- unbelievable to the staff
really thank you to the public-
you know this is. Kern county
and we have to stay United. In
the- protecting our families
our interest. And thank you so
much for all being here today
we're gonna churn and we'll be
back. Share parental I'm sorry
we do need a motion in the
action. Excuse me. I got ahead
of myself supervisor Scrivner I
know we I know we're all we're
all anxious to get on. And for
all the community members to
stay here states along so many
hours. And I think that
demonstrated to. Obviously to
this board but to the
governor's staff how passionate
you are how important it is to
you- and how high the stakes
are and so I know that that's
not lost on him into the
governor's staff- for staying
here- for so many hours. And
just that you have a very
sincere thank you for being
here. I hope that you I hope
you've heard I mean obviously
there people on both sides of
this issue but- for those of us
that that- see this industry is
vital and as something that
needs to be protected and
supported. We just we don't
understand the logic I think of
these moves and- and we would
like the opportunity to come up
to Sacramento and dialogue with
the governor so we can
understand better what it is
that he envisions- what can
current county due to be. Part
of the- solutions to. Achieve
air quality better environment
because we think we've been
doing it the best way for a
very long time here and we've
also demonstrated. Through our
efforts in renewable energy
that we want to be a part. Of
making our energy future more
green because we see that we
can find success there as well.
But this this industry is
critical for us and I were.
We're ready to do whatever it
takes to protect it and make
it. Continue to succeed. Having
said that. I am. I'd like to
make two motions one I'd like
to make a motion on staff's
recommendation- which is to
task miss Oviatt department.
With hiring consultant to do a
study they can look at the
economic impacts. Of what the
governor is proposing. On our
critically in industry. I think
that that is an important thing
for us to do is we consider
whether or not we're going to
declare an economic crisis here
in Kern county as result. Of
these new moratorium's and
regulations on oil so there for
all. Is to. Amber to formulate
a scope of work in a contract
with an economic consulting for
a report on the fiscal impact.
Of eliminating oil and gas
industry I'm curry county and
the impacts of the county
budget land use and social
dislocation so. I like to make
a motion on that and then I
have a referral service okay we
have a motion and second.
Please cast your votes. Zack
the motion is approved allies
thank you thank you madam
chair. And the second thing is
I would I'd like the board to
support a referral. And that. I
like to work with the with our
chair and to develop a lot a
group of folks and- for a
delegation to go up and
dialogue with the governor. And
his staff over this issue- I
think that that's the next
critical step for us we heard
from a lot of people who are
extremely knowledgeable and
extremely passionate. On this
issue that I think can help us
to convey the message that this
industry is something that we
want to stay vital. Hearing
Kern county and so I'd like to
make a motion. That this board.
Directs the chair night to work
on that list along with and put
of course from our very capable
staff so circulation. Okay we
have a motion and a second
please cast your votes. The
motion is approved allies thank
you madam chair they came out
of thirst for. Everything I
just like to- give credit card
sure this was a very long
meeting. A difficult meeting
folks had a lot of. Things that
they wanted to say and- their
time was time is constrained I
think he did a marvelous job
for you to think so much.
Gracious thank you. Thank you.
Gentlemen much Kern county love
to you. Much current county
love and take that to the
governor were eager to partner
and- and do this right thank
you. We do have two quick items
that we put to the end you
gentlemen of course please.
Please do what you need to do
but we did have a public
comments a portion of our
egional agenda or their
members of this public. Who
would like to comment. Seeing
nine board member announcements
or report seeing none will move
to a- stop. Rise accounts moves
to address without objection so
ordered till. July excuse me
January twenty thank you July
