Coastal Commission Rejects DCOR's Plan to Frack Offshore Platform

A proposal to increase oil production from an offshore platform off the Ventura County coast has been rejected by California's Coastal Commission. The plan, submitted by Oxnard-based DCOR, would have used fracking to boost daily output from Platform Gilda to 4,000 barrels a day, up from its current 1,100. This would be achieved through the use of hydraulic fracturing on 16 wells.

Dozens of people spoke out against the proposal during the commission's hearing, citing concerns about potential pollution and spills. Others mentioned the risk of accidents, given that the facility is over four decades old. Despite the commission's unanimous vote against the plan, it remains unclear whether this decision will be binding.

The platform is located in federal waters, which means that Washington could override California's objection and approve the proposal. The rejection of the plan comes as part of a larger effort to promote green energy off the Central Coast, with three companies investing $425 million in leases.