At our recent general meeting, I mentioned an important development regarding Santa Barbara County’s effort to prohibit new oil and gas wells. I wanted to share an update and highlight IOV’s involvement.
In April, Indivisible Ojai Valley joined other community and environmental organizations in supporting Phase 1 of the proposed Oil and Gas Ordinance amendments. This phase prohibits permits for new onshore oil and gas wells and prevents previously abandoned wells from being restarted, while allowing the county’s 1,039 active wells to continue operating.
Following approval by the Planning Commission, the amendments moved to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.
On September 15, the Board voted 3–2 to approve Phase 1. The ordinance will return for a second reading before final adoption.
This is a meaningful step in a process that IOV and many other organizations have supported. It’s also a good reminder that when local groups come together and make their voices heard, we can be part of decisions that shape the future of our communities.
News Coverage
- Santa Barbara County supervisors vote 3-2 to ban new onshore oil and gas wells (KSBY)
- Santa Barbara County Supervisors Approve Ban on New Onshore Oil Drilling After Divisive Debate (Edhat)
The Letter We Signed
Read the April 2026 sign-on letter to the Planning Commission (PDF) →
