Environmentalists, public meet to discuss Trump energy policies

New orders have been signed by President Donald Trump that could recharge efforts to develop coal, on and off shore oil resources, and continue with controversial energy transportation projects in the future.

It turns back some of the sweeping environmental efforts led by former President Obama. Trump is following through on campaign promises in this area to create more American jobs and develop locally sourced energy. “The action I am taking today will eliminate federal over reach, restore economic freedom and allow our companies and workers to thrive, compete and succeed on a level playing field for the first time in a long time,” said Trump.

The Food & Water Watch in Santa Barbara County, an environmental education and watchdog group, is holding a public meeting on energy projects tonight. It will take place at 7 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Library.

“Our vision would to be to have no more extreme oil extraction in Santa Barbara County. Whether that’s trucking or pipelining or the Phillips 66 oil train that just got denied in San Luis Obispo County they are all interrelated and we are working towards 100 percent renewable energy and stopping the increase in oil production,” said Alena Simon with Food & Water watch.

It says more oil drilling mainly in the Cat Canyon area southeast of Orcutt could be harmful, especially to water supplies, if the projects go through and there is an accident.

Oil industry officials say they are held to very strict rules in Santa Barbara County before they are permitted to operate.