Recent Comments
Re: “Fracking initiative gets 20,000 signatures”
Ms. Halley seems to think (or has intentionally inferred) that approval for drilling new replacement wells was a foregone conclusion BEFORE the initiative AND IT JUST ISNT SO. A new permit is required and there's no guarantee it can meet environmental standards. Even as I type, Sentinel Peak Resources is illegally exceeding its existing permit (where have you been DOGGR?). The company got caught and now wants "retroactive permission." The fact that it hasn't stopped illegally reinjecting hazardous waste into the aquifer is evidence of its complete disregard for environmental safety and a willingness to flaunt DOGGR, the EPA and county regulatory requirements. It doesn't make sense to trust or reward a bad actor with a new expanded permit.
Re: “Arroyo Grande oil field is a net water producer”
Ms. Halley cherry picks the information she provides and represents it in a way that is misleading. Shes paid to do that. People who accept this article as balanced and forthcoming about the downside to oil drilling are choosing to rationalize the harm that comes of it.
Why? For a minority there may be short-term gain. For others, it may be resistance to regulation. But everyone will lose in the long run.
There is universally accepted evidence that reinjection of produced water increases the incidence of earthquakes. Earthquakes can cause rejected poisonous water to mix with ground water. People have created homes for themselves in reliance on that water. What will they do then? It is astounding that some people are willing to risk so much for such a short term and very small gain. The number of people who benefit are few in comparison to the number of people who rely on that water. And their benefit is miniscule compared to that of the oil company, who will move on when the land is depleted or spoiled.
Companies would have us believe what they want us to believe. Ms. Halley and Sentinel Peak Resources are no exception. Only we can protect our interests. No one can do it for us. Self-preservation begins with stopping the expansion of oil drilling in our backyard and the further depletion and poisoning of our ground water.
Re: “Arroyo Grande oil field is a net water producer”
Ms. Halley cherry picks the information she provides and represents it in a way that is misleading. Shes paid to do that. People who accept this article as balanced and forthcoming about the downside to oil drilling are choosing to rationalize the harm that comes of it.
Why. For a minority there may be short-term gain. For others, it may be resistance to regulation. But everyone will lose in the long run.
There is universally accepted evidence that reinjection of produced water increases the incidence of earthquakes. Earthquakes can cause rejected poisonous water to mix with ground water. People have created homes for themselves in reliance on that water. What will they do then? It is astounding that people are willing to risk so much for such a short term and very small gain. The number of people who benefit are few in comparison to the number of people who rely on that water. And their benefit is miniscule compared to that of the oil company, who will move on when the land is depleted or spoiled.
Companies would have you believe what they want you to believe. Ms. Halley and Sentinel Peak Resources are no exception. Only you can protect your interests. No one can do it for you. Self-preservation begins with stopping the expansion of oil drilling in your backyard and the further depletion and poisoning of your ground water.
Re: “District 4, take your pick: South County voters will choose between Lynn Compton and Jimmy Paulding for county supervisor”
I met Jimmy Paulding for the first time at an event at Elm St. Park last month. He was open and friendly and answered every question put to him. He had a thorough understanding of local issues and it became obvious he had read and given thought to actual data, reports and constituent input and was using that information to find reasonable ways to address them. He came across as honest, decent and genuine; a person willing to hear and respectfully consider all sides in making a decision in the long-term best interests of this county and his constituents. This is an approach is that is very much needed today.
I encourage anyone who thinks our board can do better to take a few minutes to meet him this Sunday from 11a-2p at Rancho Grande Park at James Way and check out his website. We need a man with his background, intelligence and temperament to help take this county in a more positive direction.
Re: “Would you vote to ban new oil wells and fracking in SLO County?”
I am in favor of joining with our neighboring counties to ban fracking and new oil wells. WATER is the most precious world resource. Fracking requires millions of gallons of FRESH WATER, per well, to be injected at great pressure (combined with silica and poisonous chemicals). Reinjecting the poisonous produced water into our aquifers adds to that pressure. Evidence shows that this process (injecting and reinjecting water at great pressure) increases earthquake activity. Earthquake activity can allow poisonous water to mingle with our drinking water. Fresh water is our greatest resource. Once gone, land is not habitable. Too great a risk for too small a gain for too few. Jobs of the future should focus on alternative sources of energy.