Press Releases

Rep. Salud Carbajal’s amendment banning offshore oil and gas drilling off the West Coast of the United States passed through the House yesterday. The amendment, a big step for strong environmental protections in the region, was included in a fiscal year 2020 appropriations package.

“Protecting our environment is paramount, and I refuse to put big oil over the well-being of our environment, our economy and our communities,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal. “Our Central Coast knows the devastating impact of oil spills, and I won’t let us experience that again. This is one step in the fight for a cleaner environment—I’m glad the House took that step.”

The bipartisan amendment will prevent further oil and gas drilling off the coast for fiscal year 2020. It is headed to the Senate next. Carbajal has also introduced a bill, the California Clean Coast Act (H.R. 279), to permanently ban oil and gas activities off California’s Coast.

Carbajal is a member of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus and the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition. In his fight for the environment, he has introduced legislation to ban offshore drilling, protect crucial wildlife in Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument, support clean water infrastructure, research ocean acidification and more. Carbajal represents California’s 24th congressional district, encompassing Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and part of Ventura County.