The force behind our industry – the men and women who proudly produce oil and natural gas under the world’s strictest standards – last spring met with lawmakers and shared their powerful stories as single parents, veterans, union members and second chancers. Workers also discussed the emphasis they place on safety and environmental protections in the workplace because they live in neighboring communities and breathe the same air and drink the same water.
More than 70 workers participated in the 3rd annual Oil Workers Day, an event hosted by both CIPA and WSPA. Workers met with more than 50 legislators and legislative staff members who had varying ranges of support for the industry. Some workers had the opportunity to meet with the chief of staff of Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis as well as Governor Newsom’s legislative secretary.
The event has grown exponentially since the first year and feedback continues to be positive from both workers and the legislators and staffers. This event allows policymakers to make a human connection to a highly-regulated industry that is often falsely maligned by those who do not understand that hardworking families will be hurt if production were to end in California.