Susan Jordan stands by mailers about the differences between her and PXP oil deal supporter Das Williams

My campaign has sent out information to people in the 35th Assembly District reconfirming my opposition to offshore oil drilling and my opponent Das Williams’ support for the controversial Texas-based Plains Exploration and Production Company (PXP) plan for new offshore oil drilling in California Sanctuary Act waters. (Link to mailer 1) (Link to mailer 2)

It is unfortunate and undemocratic that some feel telling the truth is somehow “negative campaigning.” I strongly disagree.

Democracy demands a vigorous debate on key policies that affect the District and the State. What happens in Santa Barbara on offshore oil affects the state and the nation. It is important that everyone be aware of the candidates’ significant differences on this important environmental issue.

Williams’ support for the PXP deal, which calls for up to 30 new wells, doubles the risk of an oil spill off the Santa Barbara/Ventura coast. The PXP proposal would be the first new offshore oil lease in California in over 40 years.

Williams supports the controversial PXP oil drilling. I do not.

Williams originally supported my campaign for the Assembly, but changed his mind and entered the race for the Assembly based on my opposition to the PXP proposal.

The information from my campaign accurately describes Williams’ support for the first secret PXP deal, his documented assertion that environmental groups should make “good (secret) deals like that,” and his continued support for the new leasing and drilling proposal even after the Gulf oil tragedy — and after the Governor made an informed decision to drop his support for the PXP project, calling it too risky for California.

The State Lands Commission staff and the California Attorney General, after review of the “new” PXP deal, issued a legal memorandum concluding that it is still unenforceable, still increases the risk of an oil spill, still encourages new federal leasing off our coast and is still not in the best interests of the state, but still Williams continues to support the PXP proposal.

You can’t have it both ways. Williams says he doesn’t support new oil drilling, but ignores the legal guidance of the state’s top prosecutor and the State Lands Commission legal counsel who have now twice said this deal will not stop oil drilling off the Santa Barbara coast. His support for the PXP deal demonstrates poor judgment and puts our coast in jeopardy of an oil spill that would have devastating impacts on our coastal economy, our wildlife and our beaches.

For the Ventura County Star article on the latest State Lands Commission staff ruling on the PXP proposal, go here. For a look at what Jerry Roberts of Calbuzz has to say, go here.