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SACRAMENTO -- Two Central Coast legislators have introduced bills to protect the drinking water supply and bring more regulation and oversight to the oil and gas extraction process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has just introduced Senate Bill 395, a bill to regulate the waste water produced from fracking. Jackson’s Senate Bill 395 would require that any fluids brought up during the fracking process be regulated as a hazardous waste by the Department of Toxic Substances Control, giving them the authority to ensure that the appropriate precautions are taken in how the waste water is transported and disposed.

“Given the potential threat to our drinking water supplies, our public health, and our environment, we need to make sure there is proper oversight of the potentially toxic chemical brew that’s produced from fracking,” said Jackson.

State Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) has introduced AB 982, which will require companies fracking for oil and gas in California to monitor ground water near their operations. The proposed legislation requires monitoring of groundwater quality both before and after any fracking.

“The oil and gas industry wants to greatly expand its presence in California, in my district and others,” Williams said. “We need to make sure their operations don’t compromise our critical groundwater supplies.”

Fracking has been minimally regulated in California, with no required disclosure of chemicals used or locations of fracking drill sites. The Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources has released the first draft of regulations on hydraulic fracturing, yet does not intend to require monitoring of groundwater quality.

A report submitted to the State Legislature by the State Water Board on February 4 indicates that more than 30 million Californians rely upon groundwater for all or part of their water supplies. Such heavy dependence on groundwater for drinking water and irrigation calls for its protection to be a top priority. AB 982 follows proposals from other states, such as Alaska, Colorado and Wyoming, yet would set a new standard for groundwater protection from fracking in California.

“The oil and gas industry has been drilling in California near and through underground sources of drinking and irrigation water for decades and contends that their operations have caused no harm,” said Miriam Gordon, California Director of Clean Water Action, the primary sponsor of Williams’ bill. "Without monitoring, it's like putting on a blindfold and saying you don't see a problem. We applaud Assembly Member Williams for this sensible solution."

During fracking, water, sand and chemical additives are injected under pressure to fracture the shale reservoir, which increases the flow of oil and gas. Though a comparatively small amount of chemicals are part of the injected fluids, they have the potential to be dangerously toxic. Twenty-nine of the most commonly used hydraulic fracturing chemicals are known carcinogens.

“I see my legislative efforts as complementary to those of Assemblymember Williams,” said Jackson. “When it comes to fracking, the safety and health of Californians, and the impact on the environment, should be our first, last, and most fundamental concerns.”

Proposed Legislation Would Make Pet Meds Tax Free

March 14, 2013

California pet and animal owners would pay less for medicines purchased from a local veterinarian if a new legislative measure sponsored by the California State Board of Equalization becomes law.

“Making pet medicine tax-free will benefit California pet owners and veterinarians. It also benefits Californians by keeping more dollars in our state and promoting animal health,” said George Runner, who voted to support the proposal earlier this week.

According to the Californian Veterinary Medical Association, there are 19 million companion animal pets in California. Approximately 33% of households own at least one dog and approximately 28% own at least one cat.

Many Californians currently buy medicine for their pets online under the assumption that such purchases are tax free—not knowing they owe “use tax,” the equivalent of sales tax.

The proposed legislation would eliminate sales tax on drugs and medicines sold or used for the treatment of animals by veterinarians, animal shelters and certain nonprofits. Licensed veterinarians are currently considered consumers and must pay tax on any drugs or medicines they purchase for use or resale.

“The Board’s unanimous vote to sponsor this bill shows it is a good idea with broad bipartisan support,” added Runner. “I look forward to seeing this effort gain momentum in the Legislature.”

The proposal, which will be amended into Senate Bill 688, must be approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor before becoming law.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about half of all states currently exempt animal prescription drugs and medications from taxation.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

The Fillmore Fire Department would like to remind residents during the winter season to be prepared for flash flooding and land slides in areas with a high propensity for such events. Because these events allow for very little advanced notification, it is imperative that residents be prepared for such situations.

Before the Storm Hits

1. Develop an Emergency Disaster Plan with your family. Information on creating a disaster plan is available at www.fillmorefire.com
2. Stay informed of current and future weather conditions via your local news channel, or local radio stations. Your level of preparedness may be dramatically improved with a few days notice.
3. Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before a flood strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before your evacuation. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate.
4. Sandbag areas historically known for flooding and/or unpredictable water flow. A limited supply of emergency sandbags are available at the City of Fillmore Public Works Yard (711 Sespe Place, Fillmore.) These sandbags are for emergencies only. Sandbags may be purchased at most any hardware store or home improvement center.

During the Storm

1. Monitor the radio and/or local news station for updates on the storm, traffic conditions, and evacuation orders.
2. Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor's home if your home is damaged, or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel. If you are in an area historically known for flooding, evacuate before circumstances prevent an unsafe evacuation.
3. Keep in mind that rises in water levels during flash floods and debris flows may occur much more rapidly, and may be significantly larger, than those produced when the watershed is not burned.
4. Pay extra close attention to driving conditions while operating your vehicle. With torrential rainfall overwhelming available drainage systems, unpredictable debris and water flow across streets and highways is possible at any given time.
5. Report any hazardous conditions you observe to local authorities.

                             Emergency Contact Numbers
                     Life Threatening Emergencies Dial 911
             Ventura County Sheriffs Department: 805-524-2233
        City of Fillmore Fire Department: 805-524-0586 or 805-384-1500
                   City of Fillmore Public Works: 805-524-6717
                    Southern California Edison: 1-800-611-1911
              Southern California Gas Company: 1-800-427-2200
            Caltrans Highway Information: 1-800-427-ROAD (7623)

Winter Season Preparedness

Before the Storm Hits

During the Storm

Winter Season Preparedness

Before the Storm Hits

During the Storm

Winter Season Preparedness