Title
(Public hearing continued from October 24, 2017) Continue to a date uncertain the public hearing on an ordinance to add Chapter 16.58 to the Monterey County Code to establish exemption procedures for land uses in support of oil and gas operations in order to implement provisions of Measure Z, a voter-approved initiative measure.
Proposed CEQA Action: Statutorily exempt per CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Continue to a date uncertain the public hearing on an ordinance to add Chapter 16.58 to the Monterey County Code to establish exemption procedures for land uses in support of oil and gas operations in order to implement provisions of Measure Z, a voter-approved initiative measure.
SUMMARY:
On October 24, 2017, the Board of Supervisors conducted a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to establish the administrative processes to implement exemptions contained within Measure Z. Following extensive public testimony, the Board continued the public hearing to December 5, 2017 to enable staff to revise the proposed ordinance. Staff is requesting a continuance to a date uncertain in light of the pending court decision in litigation on Measure Z, which may impact the procedures.
DISCUSSION:
Measure Z is an initiative measure adopted by the voters of Monterey County on November 8, 2016. Measure Z prohibits land uses in support of well stimulation treatments in oil and gas production or recovery including hydraulic fracturing, prohibits land uses in support of oil and gas wastewater injection and impoundment subject to a five- year phase-out period, and prohibits the drilling of new oil and gas wells in the County's unincorporated areas. Measure Z provides for exemptions from its provisions to enable persons to exercise vested rights, to ensure its provisions are applied in a manner that does not effect an unconstitutional taking, and to extend the reasonable amortization period ...
Click here for full text