Fracking Forum Put Focus on Ballot Measure ‘P’

Measure ‘P’ is titled The Healthy Air and Water Initiative to Ban Fracking.

It’s a divisive issue that will be decided by Santa Barbara County voters in the November.

That’s why the League of Women Voters hosted a forum at the Louise Lowry David Center Wednesday afternoon.

Lanny Ebenstein spoke out in opposition of the initiative. Even thought Ebenstein said there is no current fracking in the county, he believes it will hurt oil industry jobs by prohibiting future types of well stimulation in the county.

The economist called the measure flawed and costly.

Dave Davis, the executive director of the Community Environmental Council, disagrees.

Davis said the ban will not affect current on shore operations.

Supporters believe fracking is linked to oil seeps, sinkholes and pollution.

Another community forum on ballot measures will be held Oct. 15.