Supporters prepare to defend Measure Z

Monterey County’s anti-fracking bill, Measure Z, may have passed in November, but implementation is hitting some roadblocks.

In December, major oil and gas companies filed lawsuits against the county to delay the regulations.

Members of Protect Monterey County said the county made a “back-door deal” with oil companies to put a stay on Measure Z.

“I believe because of the oil companies’ threat of bankrupting Monterey, the supervisors agreed with the oil companies not to turn it into law, but to hold it off indefinitely,” said Beverly Bean with Protect Monterey County. “We did not expect the stay. We were totally surprised because the stay was done behind closed doors under the idea that the Board of Supervisors can meet in secret regarding litigation.”

The board of supervisors painted a different picture, saying on its website, “Measure Z, the litigation and the many associated questions are complex,” and that Tuesday’s meeting will provide transparency and help answer any questions.

Prior to the meeting, members of Protect Monterey County were busy preparing their presentation to defend the measure. But they said they have another issue to worry about.

“Sitting before the Division of Oil Gas & Geothermal Resources (DOGGER) are exemption applications from the oil companies to be allowed to dump more toxic waste into deep water aquifers,” said James Eggleston with Protect Monterey County.

Eggleston said state resource agencies “preliminarily agreed” to continue allowing waste water injection into aquifers above the San Ardo oil field in a hearing last week, directly against Measure Z regulations.

“This is our county. Our county has a right to pass land use regulations to protect the people. The people of this county did when they passed measure Z. The state has no business down here interfering in it,” Eggleston said.

Cindy Pollard with Aera Energy LLC, one of the companies that filled the lawsuit against Monterey County, said she disagrees.

“The county does not have the jurisdiction on oil and gas production, including waste water injection. That falls under the jurisdiction of DOGGER. For folks to claim that it is not the state’s place to decide, but it’s up to the voters — that is inaccurate,” Pollard said.

Measure Z supporters say they are preparing to fight and win the legal battle with pro bono lawyers from Los Angeles.