Offshore Calif. drilling deal could be scuttled, experts say

An agreement paving the way for the first oil drilling off of the California coast in nearly 40 years has run into unexpected opposition that may sink it
altogether Thursday.

The plan, which could be worth billions, was announced last year by an unusual alliance of environmentalists and a drilling company. But supporters were blindsided by sudden opposition recently after it sailed through local approval and reached the
state level.

The proposal hinges on a commitment from key environmental groups to lobby for expanded drilling off Santa Barbara if Plains Exploration & Production Co. would help fund hybrid buses, set aside thousands of acres of land and – most importantly – end all its local drilling by 2022.

The company had no comment ahead of the vote. Previously, it has called the plan a win-win deal for oil exploration and the environment.

The vote is scheduled for the day after the 40th anniversary of a massive oil spill off Santa Barbara that coated miles of beaches with oil and killed dolphins, seals and thousands of birds. The spill helped lead to the Clean Water Act and a moratorium on offshore drilling, galvanizing the modern environmental movement.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said attorney Linda Krop, who negotiated on behalf of three lead environmental groups. “If people really want to protect the coast from offshore oil and gas development, this is the best opportunity to do that.”