WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps released the following statement regarding today’s announcement that the Environmental Defense Center (EDC), Get Oil Out! (GOO!), and Citizens Planning Association of Santa Barbara have signed a historic agreement with Plains Exploration & Production Company (PXP) that will result in the phasing out of oil and gas development in Santa Barbara County and the permanent protection of unique lands in the Lompoc Valley and on the Gaviota Coast for public benefit:

“As a longtime Central Coast resident who has fought to protect our sensitive coastal areas from oil and gas drilling and increased development, I want to congratulate all of the organizations involved with this unprecedented agreement.  This unique partnership demonstrates that by working together we can find effective compromises that protect our community’s shared interests.  This is an important step forward in ending a significant amount of oil and gas drilling along the Central Coast and it will preserve precious coastal lands threatened by development, as well as reduce global warming causing pollution.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.