On Sunday, May 18, the California League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) assembly voted unanimously to pass a resolution calling on Governor Jerry Brown and the state legislature to ban fracking. In addition, the resolution affirmed LULAC’s support for local ordinances and initiatives now underway in several cities and counties throughout California to ban fracking, including San Benito County’s ballot initiative to ban the oil extraction practice.
“Because the health and environment of California’s Latino communities, who already disproportionately suffer from pollution, is threatened by fracking, the California League of United Latin American Citizens calls on Governor Brown to ban fracking now,” said California State LULAC Director Dave Rodriguez.
Critics say fracking is a form of energy extraction using millions of gallons of water and known toxic chemicals and has been linked to increased air pollution and a possible association with human birth defects.
While California still permits oil companies to frack and use other intensive well-stimulation techniques, many cities and counties are advancing local fracking bans or moratoria including San Benito County and Butte, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz counties as well as the cities of Los Angeles and Culver City.
“We are really excited that LULAC has recognized that the fight is not just at the state level, but is now at the local level with the people in cities and counties really taking a stand, and using the initiative process,” said Margaret Morales Rebecchi from SanBenito Rising, a grassroots group working to ban fracking and other oil and gas drilling techniques in San Benito County, home of Pinnacles National Park. “Governor Brown has thwarted action at the state level. It is so fortunate that LULAC recognizes and endorses the efforts by the people to have the final say.”
LULAC is the largest and oldest Hispanic Organization in the United States. Its goal is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 900 LULAC councils nationwide. The organization involves and serves all Hispanic nationality groups.
– Submitted by Kate Woods of San Benito Rising