Fight over anti-fracking measure in Monterey County heats up

Tensions filled the Monterey County Supervisors Chamber Tuesday morning. The topic of discussion? Whether or not the county should ask for the possible financial impact of an anti-fracking measure, if it passes in November.

“Just like any campaign or any election, you want the voters to be informed, you want them to be fully informed of the impacts of whatever the initiative or proposition is,” said Board Supervisor Simon Salinas.

According to the board, they’re looking for more information on the projected impact to the local economy, jobs and public programs if fracking is banned. The measure, backed by Protect Monterey County, strongly opposes the idea of an audit.

“It would not look at how fracking would affect water, especially the aquifers along the Salinas river,” said Laura Solorio with Protect Monterey County.

Currently, no fracking is actually occurring in Monterey County, but the measure also calls for a future ban on an oil extraction technique that’s already being used. And for local oil companies they’re already following tight orders.

“That is the strictest set of regulations on environmental policy, and we follow that every day. It’s about keeping people safe, keeping the environment safe,” said Justin Mendes with AERA Energy.

The audit discussion comes about a week after Monterey County for Energy Independence revealed a report calling the measure a negative approach to regulating the oil industry.

“Our industry, along with others, provides the sales tax and property tax revenue that funds the county,” said Mendes.

Protect Monterey County feels voters need as much information as possible but county supervisors should leave that work to the people.

“The board should remain neutral because the voters can look at the issues themselves,” said Solorio.

The board will officially decide on an audit at the July 12th meeting.