Cama, T. (2016, November 09). California county votes to ban fracking. Retrieved March 13,

2017, from http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/305198-california-county-

votes-to-ban-fracking

 

On November 8th, 2017, voters in Monterey County voted to pass a measure to ban hydraulic fracturing within the county.  This ballot passed despite millions of dollars spent in opposition by major oil companies like Chevron Corp.  Though the ballot is just one of several other fracking bans in California counties, Monterey County is a significant oil drilling area.  The oil industry sees the measure as a dangerous development in a systematic shutdown of fossil fuel use.

 

While fracking is a viable and relatively clean way for the US to get its energy, it must be done under the proper conditions to ensure safety; fracking in an area where oil spills could be disastrous and seismic activity could lead to natural disaster should be put to a stop.  In a location like Monterey, that thrives off its marine life, a ban on fracking is an obvious decision.  When the federal government cannot be counted on to protect areas where fracking could mean catastrophe, local government must follow suit of Monterey County.