Monterey County Planning to Adopt Weak Ordinance on Fracking

The Planning department staff recommends the Planning Commission adopt an ordinance that will ban fracking in residential districts, but will allow fracking elsewhere, including the re-stimulation of old wells using newer well stimulation techniques:

1) remove subsections that allow the exploration for and the removal of oil and gas with a use permit in residential districts; 2) change the appropriate hearing body from the Zoning Administrator to the Planning Commission for permits proposing the exploration for and removal of oil and gas; 3) require a use permit for the utilization of well stimulation treatments on new and existing wells; and 4) define new terms.

Monterey County Against Fracking is asking for a full show of support on April 30th to let the Monterey County Board of Supervisors know that a moratorium on fracking is needed until the risks are understood.

"We want a 45-day period for public review and comment before the ordinance is presented to the Board of Supervisors for adoption."

Monterey County Planning Commission, Wednesday, April 30, 2014, 9:00 a.m.

Monterey County Government Center – Board of Supervisors Chambers
168 W. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901

AGENDA with the ordinance is posted online (or see PDF):
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/planning/cca/pc14.htm

Monterey County Against Fracking is also asking residents call or email the Monterey Board of Supervisors and urge a moratorium on fracking.

To reach all five Supervisors by email, send to COB [at] co.monterey.ca.us, c/o the Clerk of the Board.

Fernando Armento (831)755-5011
district1 [at] co.monterey.ca.us

Louis Calcagno (831)755-5022
district2 [at] co.monterey.ca.us

Simon Salinas (831)755-5033
district3 [at] co.monterey.ca.us

Jane Parker (831)883-7570 (831)755-5044
district4 [at] co.monterey.ca.us

Dave Potter (831)755-5055 (831)647-7755
district5 [at] co.monterey.ca.us