I am a fourth generation farmer and agricultural advocate. I love what I do and wouldn’t trade the work and the long hours for anything. Agriculture is more modern and innovative than ever before, making us more efficient than ever. But the point is, without the oil and gas industry, our beloved industry will go back to pre-industrial times and for a state that values ”progression” that doesn’t strike me as very forward-thinking. (“COMMUNITY VOICE: County Should Not Favor Oil Over Agriculture,” March 2).
I am known for saying what I think. I respect other positions and welcome opposition and friendly discussions, but I am not one to mince words. I guess I feel a kinship with Mayor Dave Noerr in this regard (“COMMUNITY VOICES: Kern’s Oil Industry is Vital to All Californians,” February 28). Our local oil and gas industry must be defended, especially as California continues to be the country’s second largest consumer of oil. Contrary to the anti-scientific and data-resistant conjectures of some groups, oil and gas have been absolutely essential to our economy and our survival. Since the implementation of the Kern County Oil and Gas RIA in 2015, the industry has been able to operate under more certain (albeit more regulated) circumstances and has successfully delivered energy. much needed, more given back to the community, and funded more than $ 114,000,000 in air quality mitigation efforts over the past four years and more. This is on top of the millions of dollars in property taxes that go to fund our children’s schools, roads and public safety.
Without oil and gas, California granary farmers would not be able to efficiently feed the world. We depend on oil and oil depends on us. Our trucks, our tractors, our pumps, our water wells, the technology we use, the plastics that make up a lot of these items, it all comes from the oil industry. Without our partnership – and that is exactly what it is – it would not exist.
Without affordable and reliable oil and natural gas, the agricultural sector would shrink over time to acre plots, increasing costs for families and decimating our workforce. The solution is to embrace all forms of energy. Praise innovation and modernism, but support and provide for our community by providing freedom of choice in how we consume energy. California already imports two-thirds of our total energy needs – meanwhile, the energy we continue to use on a daily basis stays in the ground, beneath our feet, waiting for tankers and ships to bring us what we can produce for us. themselves. .
We are a national energy leader because of our thriving petroleum industry. Additionally, anti-oil activists should be reminded that Kern County is also a proud leader in wind and solar power, while feeding the world. Our county is an extraordinary place – a shining example that deserves to be modeled.
Jason Giannelli is a fourth generation husband, father and farmer from Kern County.
