1997 ANNUAL REPORT
UPDATE

An Update on Past Activities:

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO . . .

. . . Plans to Abandon Offshore Wells?

Work is underway using a special, state-of-the-art jack-up rig to seal and remove 23 inactive underwater wells off the Santa Barbara coast at a cost of about $50 million. The rig, whose legs generally extend more than 23 stories above the water, seems to dwarf the familiar production platforms. Abandonment, under the watchful eyes of 15 federal, state and local agencies, should be completed in nine months.

. . . the Puget Sound Cyanide Study?

The two-year study found that current cyanide discharges from refineries pose no threat to aquatic life in Puget Sound. Water quality standards for cyanide have been modified accordingly.

. . . Washington's $30 million Initiative?

Not enough signatures were gathered to qualify Initiative 188 for this year's ballot. But a revised initiative has now been filed that would not only impose significant burdens on the marine tanker industry as Initiative 188 would have done but would make refiners as well as shippers liable for oil spill costs and throws in retail divorcement as well.

. . . the Coast's Economic Impact Study?

The completed report indicates the industry provides critical tax revenues to local governments with well-managed environmental risks and few social costs. Copies can be obtained from the WSPA Coastal Office, (805) 966 - 7113.

. . . Action on Utility Restructuring

As part of on-going efforts to monitor restructuring of California’s utility industry, WSPA joined with other industry groups in challenging the proposed linkage of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Duke Power / Louis-Dreyfus. In a letter to city officials, WSPA said that the linkage would perpetuate a lack of competition in the area where electric rates are already higher than the rest of the state and nation.

… Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Advocacy?

After the California Air Resources Board postponed implementation of the controversial ZEV mandate until 2003, WSPA continued to fight subsidies for alternative-fuel vehicles on the local, state and regional levels through its support of California Against Hidden Taxes. This broad-based coalition of business, agriculture, taxpayers and consumers supports air quality improvements that are cost-effective and market-driven and not a burden on taxpayers.

1997 WSPA Annual Report
An Update on Past Activities