Offshore Oil an Onslaught?

While the Coalition for Clean Air applauds the recently reported effort by our California congressional delegation to work out an agreement which will protect much of California’s offshore waters from new oil development until the year 2000, we strongly oppose production on many of the 150 tracts released to industry as part of that deal. Production on those tracts in Southern California (22 in Santa Monica Bay, 5 in Oceanside, 4 in Long Beach and 6 in Newport Beach) will have a negative impact on air quality in Los Angeles unless the strongest air pollution controls are required by the federal government. Furthermore, the close proximity of many of Southern California tracts to the shore will deliver a devastating blow to public enjoyment of major beaches along the coast.

The agreement is a laudable effort by the California congressional delegation to stave off an industry attempt to end the moratorium on drilling in environmentally sensitive waters off the California coast. But we feel that the deal must delete those tracts within sight of the coastline and stipulate that the federal government must require stringent air pollution controls on those tracts that are released for use.

Since it is an accepted fact that winds carry offshore emissions to the south and inland, there is no question the South Coast Basin is the recipient of substantial emissions from offshore oil development. The South Coast Air Quality Management District predicts that we have a 51% chance of attaining the health standard for nitrogen dioxide in this area by the end of 1987, and if that prediction is valid, emissions from offshore activity will have to be addressed.

Regarding the release for development of some tracts which are located just outside the three-mile limit, negotiators must look at the impact on tourism of drill ships, crew and supply boats, and platforms within sight of the area’s major beaches. The coastline is one of California’s main attractions. Access to attractive beaches unmarred by industrial development is an important perquisite for local residents. We strongly urge that those tracts within 20 miles of the shore be returned to protected status where they belong.

The coalition feels that all tracts remaining in the agreement at the end of the 30-day comment period must be required to apply the same air pollution controls as are required onshore for new sources. We must not settle for anything less than the best controls available. Further improvement in local air quality depends on it.

BARBARA SULLIVAN

Executive Director

Coalition for Clean Air