Tracy Leach
As a proud, life-long Kern County resident, I have witnessed firsthand the enormous impact one industry has had on our way of life - not just locally, but worldwide. Aside from our county’s renowned agriculture sector, oil and gas has made and continues to make much of our modern way of living possible. Travel, medical advances, technology and thriving communities that provide unrivaled career opportunities …all made possible thanks to continued development and innovations in the oil and gas industry.
It was disappointing to see a recently published article regarding Greka and Rincon Island make such widespread statements about our oil and gas industry here in California. Make no mistake, there are bad players who have mishandled their businesses, shown little regard for their employees and the environment. The truth of the matter is that this does not define an entire industry. Most California operators actually routinely exceed requirements with regard to a multitude of regulations, going over and above what’s mandated by employing self-imposed preemptive strategies. As it stands, California’s oil and gas is produced under the strictest standards in the world. Local and federal rules, combined with California’s strenuous regulations make for a place that produces the cleanest oil and natural gas on the planet.