A bill that would ban new oil development in state waters in the Santa Barbara Channel — specifically in an offshore tract known as Tranquillon Ridge — quietly bit the dust in Sacramento, dying a slow death in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. No action was technically taken on the bill, co-sponsored by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, but when it failed to be “reported out of committee” its doom was sealed.
This marks the second year in a row that Jackson unsuccessfully sought to ban further oil development in Tranquillon Ridge, the site of especially nasty internecine warfare among Democrats and environmentalists normally aligned. Last year, the bill was solidly trounced, as Exxon and other oil companies lobbied forcefully and effectively to stop it.
This year, Jackson re-introduced the measure in the wake of the Refugio Oil Spill. Although the bill garnered far more support from business interests representing tourism and outdoor activities industries, it still faced stiff opposition and lukewarm support. It made it off the Senate floor — before being assigned to committee — with only two votes to spare.