Voters in two California counties were able to overcome the oil industry and pass fracking bans by wide margins. Measure J in San Benito County passed with 57% of the vote, and Measure S in Mendocino County passed with 67%.

However, Measure P in Santa Barbara County, which was very similar to the San Benito measure, lost after oil industry groups spent more than $7.6 million to beat the measure placed on the ballot by local grassroots groups. That spending ranked the local ballot measure campaign in Santa Barbara as one of the most expensive in the country. The oil industry’s campaign relied heavily on advertising that misled voters about the measure’s content, and outspent proponents by more than 20 to 1.

The victory in San Benito was achieved through a large grass-roots organizing effort that began with a signature gathering drive in March which succeeded quickly at placing the fracking ban on the ballot. The Coalition to Protect San Benito has planned a Measure J celebration to be held outdoors at Indian Canyon, with an Ohlone ceremony lead by Ann Marie Sayers.

Saturday, November 8: Celebrate Measure J Win at Indian Canyon

Voters Approve Fracking Bans in San Benito and Mendocino Counties | San Benito County Bans Fracking, Despite Deluge of Oil Industry Cash | Fracking Bans Win in Two California Counties, Fail in One | Community Organizing Wins Significant Victories on Fracking and Other Key Issues

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