The Independent Got It Wrong

The Independent’s endorsement of a “no” vote on Measure P, the ban on high intensity extraction initiative, is framed as a choice between acting on fears of climate change and a concern for good governance.

Actually, there is absolutely no symmetry in the magnitude and consequence of these two issues. Climate change is happening and as it intensifies will create ever greater risk for our future on this planet. Climate scientists are clear that we have only a small window of time to radically alter our course and that part of what is required is to leave 80 percent of known fossil fuel reserves in the ground.

Good county governance, however, is local and, even if imperfect, can always be corrected. I would contend that our local governance is deeply flawed and glaringly so on Measure P. When oil companies can pump $5.7 million into a county ballot measure (a new record) to protect their profits and put at risk our water, air, and health, not to mention a livable future, something other than good governance is at play.