Measure D: Measure D

In plain language

Measure D would update a Santa Cruz County law that voters passed in 1986 as Measure A. That law says voters must approve any permit for onshore facilities that support offshore oil and gas. Measure D would add onshore facilities for deep-sea mining to that rule. It would also add sections on purpose, findings and definitions. It would simplify the voter-approval rule, add an exemption for certain projects, and make other changes. The changes would stay in place unless voters change them. A YES vote makes these changes. A NO vote keeps the law as it is now.

Impartial analysis

IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE “D” Measure “D” concerns the regulation of onshore facilities necessary to support offshore oil, gas, and deep-sea mining development and exploration. Santa Cruz County Code Chapter 16.55 (“Chapter 16.55”) currently requires voter approval for any permit or similar authorization to develop, construct, or install any onshore facility supporting offshore oil and gas facilities, as further described in the Chapter. The Chapter was adopted by voters as Measure “A” at the June 3, 1986, election to regulate and protect against identified negative impacts of oil and gas onshore support facilities. An amendment to any substantive provision of Chapter 16.55 requires voter approval. Measure “D” was placed on the ballot by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. The Measure seeks to amend Chapter 16.55 in several ways. First, it seeks to change the title and substance of the Chapter to include onshore facilities related to deep-sea mining activities. Second, it adds a new “Purpose” section to the Chapter, explaining that the Chapter is meant to protect the County’s coastline, water, agricultural lands, tourism, air quality, recreation, biodiversity, and quality of life, and allow the County to prevent harmful extractive activities. Third, the Measure expands the “Findings” section of Chapter 16.55 to more specifically detail ways in which onshore support facilities for oil, gas, and deep- sea mining exploration and development could substantially adversely affect coastal resources. In addition, the Measure adds to Chapter 16.55 a “Definitions” section that defines key terms used in the Chapter. It also simplifies the Chapter’s provision related to voter approval for onshore support facilities, creates an exemption for certain projects, and makes other miscellaneous changes to the Chapter. The stated intention of the proposed changes is to strengthen the provisions of the Chapter and expand its provisions to include onshore facilities related to deep-sea mining. These changes to Chapter 16.55 would be permanent unless amended by voters in the future. Voters are referred to the full text of the measure and the accompanying ordinance for complete details. What Does A Yes Vote Mean? A “yes” vote is a vote to amend Santa Cruz County Code Chapter 16.55 to modify its provisions as set forth above and as reflected in the ordinance accompanying the Measure. What Does A No Vote Mean? A “no” vote is a vote to keep the language of Santa Cruz County Code Chapter 16.55 the same as it is now and not make any changes to it. JASON M. HEATH, COUNTY COUNSEL

Official ballot arguments

Filed for the official voter guide by each side, printed as submitted.

The official arguments will appear here once both sides’ arguments are on file.