(Salinas) – Assemblymember Robert Rivas issued the following statement on the Trump administration move to open 725,500 acres of public lands and mineral estate across California’s Central Coast and the Bay Area to new oil and gas drilling:
“The will of the people has been ignored. I was shocked and saddened to learn of the Trump Administration’s plan to open our local public lands to drilling. I stand with leaders throughout the region that demand the President direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to continue the moratorium on leasing federal public land and mineral estate to oil companies. This move by the Trump Administration threatens the foundation of our communities - and our economy. Tourism and Agriculture drive our economy and create jobs. The natural beauty of our region is why we live here. We must stand up to protect our health, our economy, and our future.
“From the millions that come to our region to admire the natural beauty of Big Sur, to the bountiful harvests that are grown in our Salinas Valley that feeds the world, it is imperative that the Trump Administration understand the importance of preserving and protecting the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of our region. I stand firmly opposed to any efforts to open federal lands up to drilling.”
“California is committed to tackling the serious issues of climate change through innovation and a commitment that we can and must do better to ensure future generations enjoy the natural beauty of California.”