California Paddlers Protest New Offshore Drilling

SANTA BARBARA, California - California paddlers and activists recently demonstrated their frustrations with the nearby offshore drilling taking place off the coast of Santa Barbara, California by paddling five miles to take a stand against offshore drilling in the shadow of a hulking oil platform.

The paddlers unveiled a 70-foot floating banner designed to raise awareness and generate action in support of four critical bills currently moving through the State Assembly. These bills would stop new oil offshore oil drilling, improve pipeline safety and improve oil spill response capability in California. The event was planned in response to the May 19, 2014 oil spill that dumped more than 140,000 gallons of crude onto the beaches of Santa Barbara and surrounding beaches of California. The paddle was organized by The Surfrider Foundation, in collaboration with Patagonia and other local groups.

Activists realize that as a whole we all remain dependent on fossil fuels, but they believe that we don’t need more reckless offshore drilling. They believe environmental disasters can move our society in the right direction, toward renewable alternatives and safer ways of producing oil and gas in the interim. To learn more about the legislation and get involved visit Patagonia.com/CrudeAwakening. Check out the video below to see more.

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