From: Laura Womack
To: City Clerk Internet EMAIL Group
Cc: Alonso Ramirez
Subject: FW: Website contact form All Council Members
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9:14:37 AM
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 6:20 PM
To: City Council Internet EMAIL Group <[email protected]> Subject: Website contact form All Council Members
Subject = May 13th City Council Meeting - Agenda Item R. Climate First Replacing Oil & Gas Resolution
Name = David G Gilbertson
Phone = 4253140103
Email = [email protected]
Comments = Dear Camarillo City Council Members,
Ventura County is disproportionately impacted by the impacts of climate change, being one of the fastest warming regions in the continental United States. At the same time, the fossil fuel industry is receiving an average of $34 billion in government subsidies per year – taxpayer money that comes at the expense of poisoning our communities.
A recent study from University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) found that phasing out oil and gas operations in Santa Barbara County, which has a similar production level of Ventura County, would significantly improve public health by reducing exposure to harmful pollutants. A phase out policy could prevent an estimated $54 to $81 million in mortality-related costs by 2045.
Oil and gas operations can contaminate groundwater through leaking wellbores, surface spills, and improper waste disposal, introducing toxic chemicals like benzene, methane, and heavy metals into aquifers. More than 500 active and idle oil and gas wells are drilled through or are adjacent to freshwater aquifers in Ventura County. Ventura County depends on our aquifers for the agriculture that sustains our economy and clean drinking water to ensure community health.
Oil projects are located in high fire hazard zones and increase wildfire risks. Additionally, wastewater injections can trigger earthquakes. Phasing out oil will help prevent future natural disasters from wreaking havoc.
Camarillo’s Climate Action Plan identifies that, “local governments play a fundamental role in reducing GHG emissions by establishing policies to support GHG emissions reduction and prepare for a more resilient future.”
Reducing oil production would help the City of Camarillo and the County of Ventura meet climate goals and avoid millions in climate-related damages. A phaseout policy could prevent the release of 344,072 metric tons of CO2e by 2045, with avoided climate damages valued at $21.8 million. An oil and gas phase-out ordinance would also directly support the state goal to phase out oil production no later than 2045.
A recent statement from Congresswoman Julia Brownley describes the need for action, “Climate change is not a distant threat … as this crisis worsens, younger and upcoming generations stand to suffer the most. This work is urgent, and it is not optional. We owe it to our communities today and to the generations who will inherit this planet to meet this moment with the seriousness and resolve it demands.”
I ask our City Councilmembers to support the CFROG Resolution for Phasing Out Oil and Gas Production in California.
Respectfully,
David Gilbertson
Camarillo, CA 93012
Client IP = 76.50.43.177