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Measure Z is a Monterey County citizen's initiative, placed on the ballot by volunteers who collected over 16,000 signatures. It bans fracking and limits other risky oil operations in the county. Measure Z passed on November 8, 2016 with 56% of the vote. Read more about the initiative at the "Measure Z" tab.
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After the election, Chevron, Aera Energy (owned by ExxonMobil and Shell), and other oil interests filed 6 lawsuits challenging Measure Z. Phase 1 of the Measure Z trial begins on November 13, 2017 at Monterey County Superior Court.
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After helping to pass Measure Z, Protect Monterey County (PMC) now works to ensure that the voters’ decision is honored. PMC has assembled a strong legal team to intervene in the lawsuits and assist the County with Measure Z legal defense. PMC will also work with the County to ensure that Measure Z is fully implemented.
4
Since the oil industry is challenging the legality of Measure Z, its full implementation has been delayed. (Only the Measure Z exemption procedures are currently allowed to be implemented.) We’ll know more after the judge renders a decision in the Measure Z trial.
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Local oil companies have applied to the state (DOGGR) for exemptions that allow them to continue injecting wastewater into our protected aquifers -- a practice which endangers Monterey County’s groundwater and our premier agricultural and tourism industries. Members of PMC submitted public comments objecting to these exemptions. We are awaiting a final decision by DOGGR and U.S. EPA.
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Attend public hearings and rallies posted under "Events" and help keep our government officials accountable. Donate to the Measure Z legal defense fund. The oil industry has millions to spend, while we rely on supporters like you.