Defend private property ownership

Recently, The Californian published articles addressing Senate Bill 1137 identifying some far-reaching impacts to the public and the oil industry. Anti-fossil fuel groups commented it has not gone far enough. Unfortunately, the articles did not address the impacts to hundreds of suppliers and individuals who serve the oil industry. The trickle-down economics will significantly harm California and Kern County. Local tax revenue will dwindle with prohibition to explore or develop oil wells. Businesses and individuals, including myself, may go out of business or exit California with the onerous effect on good-paying jobs.

The more serious issue involves “condemnation without compensation.” There are possibly millions of owners that have had their ownership rights illegally taken with a 3,200-foot setback. Consider how the state of California modified the Highway 99 and Westside Parkway interchange. Government agencies took some private property and paid “fair market value” to each owner.

If an owner did not sell, the agency may use eminent domain to condemn the property, and the owners are paid. SB 1137 has “wrongfully taken” private property without consideration. Numerous public entities receive significant revenue from oil production. SB 1137 may eliminate important revenue. I do not own any mineral rights; however, I understand the real impact this causes. Do not forget tax revenue, individual jobs and businesses with their incomes that will be lost.

I strongly oppose SB 1137 and challenge all elected officials to defend private property ownership. It could be your property taken with unfair and possibly illegal seizure.