I have studied the pending Measure P legislation and find it to be ambiguous and misleading. It extends beyond fracking, a technique that is not even practiced in Santa Barbara County. It is a ban against all forms of oil and gas extraction, and if it passes, it will sharply increase California’s dependence on foreign oil.

We currently import over 18 percent of oil from Iraq. Passing Measure P will increase our reliance on expensive foreign crude and will result in higher gas prices at the pump. Next time you go to the pump, ask yourself: Would I rather my dollar go to countries in the Middle East or Russia or to my local community to create more jobs and boost the local economy?

Gas prices are high as it is with California already importing more than 50 percent of its oil. Think about the domino effect of a gallon of gasoline increasing from $4 to $6 if we import more of our oil from foreign markets. Think about the increase in tankers that will import this oil for our use. Measure P will create an emergency in more ways than one, including an increase in the price of manufactured goods, an increase in unemployment rate due to jobs lost, as well as decreased spending by the unemployed.

California has been and continues to be in need of locally produced oil because we are one of the largest consumers in the United States. I urge voters to further research Measure P before voting. Let’s keep Santa Barbara flourishing and healthy. Please vote no on Measure P.

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