SCYD Passes Resolution Regarding the San Francisco Bay Chevron Oil Spill
San Francisco Bay Chevron Oil Spill
WHEREAS, The negative effects of a heavy reliance on fossil fuels as a primary energy source are well-documented and the technology is hazardous and antiquated; and
WHEREAS, There have been at least 44 oceanic oil spills in the United States of over 420,000 gallons each since 1969; and
WHEREAS, The long-lasting effects of oil spilled into waterways are damaging to environment and wildlife, and cleanup is expensive and not wholly effective; and
WHEREAS, On February 9, 2021, 600 gallons of a petroleum and water mixture leaked into the San Francisco Bay from Chevron Corporation’s refinery in Richmond, CA; and
WHEREAS, Chevron’s Richmond oil refinery has been issued at least 29 violations by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District between 2016 and 2018, and is one of California’s largest polluters; and
WHEREAS, This event is one of the many examples of a responsibility to pivot toward safer, more efficient, and more modern renewable energy in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The topic of environmental stewardship extends beyond preservation of the natural resources of Earth, and is also a topic of equity and human rights; and
WHEREAS, Roughly 80% of Richmond, California’s residents are people of color, and nearly one-fifth of families fall near the poverty line; and
WHEREAS, The Richmond-area has high rates of cancer, and over one-quarter of the area’s children are reported to have asthma; and
WHEREAS, The critical need to work to replace fossil-fuels, natural gas, and other polluting, non23 renewable energy sources is a matter of equity and global preservation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Snohomish County Young Democrats recognize the existential threat of climate change, and that the responsibility to diligently work toward a strong clean-energy sector is critical to sustaining and supporting a high quality of life for all people, and for all living things.
Approved by the Snohomish County Young Democrats by a vote on: 2/21/21
Jessica Corbman, Chair
Ahamad Ceesay, 1st Vice Chair
Kaitlyn Johnson, Treasurer
Michael Ugrin, Secretary
Carsten Glans, Sergeant-at-Arms
