Environmental Issues

July 16th, 2009 at 04:37pm Under Environmental Law

Anything that surrounds us and affects us directly or indirectly is the part of environment. It includes air, water, land, soil, flora, fauna & other organisms. Today, the declining environment is an alarming issue the world as a whole faces. This is a global phenomenon, nobody is untouched or unaffected by it’s hazardous results.

The environment is degrading at an unprecedented rate. All the natural resources are under threat. The forests are being chopped off thereby causing deforestation which leads to soil erosion, increase in global warming, decrease in precipitation and loss of habitat for the wildlife. The industrialization and urbanization has manifolded the air pollution. Air pollution has serious consequences like asthma, eye irritation, lung cancer and can be even fatal. According to a survey, around 2 million people die every year due to causes directly attributed to air pollution. The scene is unchanged in case of water, soil, noise and land pollution. This all has led to environmental detoriation and degradation.

Now coming to the nature and its boundaries, environmental pollution knows none of them. The whole world faces this crisis today. The polar icecaps and glaciers are rapidly turning to water. The Brazilian forests have been reduced to half. The nuclear tragedy in Russia and Bhopal gas tragedy in India are shocking examples of how the environment is affected by human activities. Many species of animals have become endangered.  The average temperature of earth has gone up. The ozone layer is depleting. The whole balance and composition of environment has been put at stake. The problem of environment has a global scope and hold.

It is true that no politician, no war or no philosopher can bring the world as close and together as this problem. It is time for the mankind to rise from their slumber of ignorance and cooperate to solve this menace. Everybody has to stand united and make sleepless efforts to solve these problems. People should spread awareness regarding environmental issues. Role of individual is important. Earth day and environmental day should be celebrated with zeal and vigor and people all over the world should take active part in it. It is time when we should forget the boundaries of countries and religion. As said, it’s a global problem.

Even now if people choose disunity and disharmony, the mankind is sure to doom. What is important is that people should understand that if there is environment, there is life. Environment should be our top priority. Global acts and policies should be formed and environmental laws need to be stringent. United we stand, divided we fall. Let us all irrespective of our nations, take a pledge and protect our environment.

What to Consider Before Deciding to Go to Law School

July 16th, 2009 at 10:37am Under Environmental Law

Consideration #1: Do I Really Want To Be A Lawyer?

When you’re considering applying to law school, the first thing you should ask yourself is if you really, truly want to be a lawyer. There used to be a time when law school was a great default option for people who weren’t sure about what they wanted to do, but knew they wanted financial security. Maybe it’s because this idea has gained so much currency, but the truth is that now a law degree does not automatically equal a high-paying job right out of school. Of course, if you are able to get into one of the top law schools, there will always be a job waiting for you. For those who are not as lucky, however, a fearless look at why you’re considering applying to law school is your best course of action. If you truly love the law, by all means, go ahead and apply, but know that the job market for new lawyers is tougher than ever before.

Consideration #2: What Type Of Law Do I Want To Practice?

So, you’ve determined that you’re not just applying because you can’t think of something else to do. Then you might already know the answer to the question of what type of law you would like to go into one day. If you don’t know, before you apply is the time to start mulling it over. Environmental law or corporate contracts? Real estate or intellectual property? There are many specializations for you to pursue, and some schools are more focused on your area of choice than others are.

Consideration #3: Who’s On The Faculty?

Check out the faculty of the schools you’re considering. This consideration goes hand in hand with consideration #2. If you are a true lover of the law, then you probably have a wish list of legal rock stars you’d love to learn from. Look into the biographies of the various professors of schools you’re considering and make sure you’ll be able to take classes with the ones you find fascinating.

Consideration #4: Where Do I Want To Live When I Am Practicing Law?

You might not know where you want to live once you get out of law school. This is also worth some thought for a couple of reasons. First, if you study in the state you’d eventually like to practice in, you’ll have an easier time passing the bar. Secondly, think about the job market. If you go to a school that’s well-known in a certain area, you’ll be a more attractive job candidate than if you take that degree on the road and have to explain its merits to people in a faraway city who are less familiar with the strengths of your law school.

Environmental Science

July 15th, 2009 at 10:37pm Under Environmental Law

These days there is there is a lot buzz about the world going green and preserving the environment. Well, I think that all of you might be reading something or the other about “environment and ecology” in newspaper, magazines or over the internet. So, let me throw light on this topic.What is Environmental Science?Environmental science is an expression encompassing the wide range of scientific disciplines that need to be brought together to understand and manage the natural environment and the many interactions among physical, chemical, and biological components.Individuals may operate as Environmental scientists or a group of scientists may work together pooling their individual skills. The most common model for the delivery of Environmental science is through the work of an individual scientist or small team drawing on the peer-reviewed, published work of many other scientists throughout the world.What is the function of Environmental Science?The role of environmental science is to describe the hazards related to environment, interpret the impact of human actions on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and to develop strategies for restoring ecosystems. In addition, environmental scientists help planners develop and construct buildings, transportation corridors, and utilities that protect water resources and reflect efficient and beneficial land use.Environmental chemistry is the study of chemical alterations in the environment. Principal areas of study include soil contamination and water pollution. The topics of analysis involve chemical degradation in the environment, multi-phase transport of chemicals (for example, evaporation of a solvent containing lake to yield solvent as an air pollutant), and chemical effects upon biota.Due to the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science, teams of professionals commonly work together to conduct environmental research or to produce Environmental Impact Statements. Environmental science encompasses issues such as climate change, conservation, biodiversity, water quality, groundwater contamination, soil contamination, and use of natural resources, waste management, sustainable development, disaster reduction, air pollution, and noise pollution.Environmental science has been studied, evaluated and researched for many years. This has been driven by the need for a large multi-disciplined team to analyze complex environmental problems, the arrival of substantive environmental laws requiring specific environmental protocols of investigation, and growing public awareness of a need for action in addressing environmental problems.

Computer Recycling – Switch To Environmental Friendly Mode

July 15th, 2009 at 04:37pm Under Environmental Law

Computer recycling refers to the practice of salvaging useable components from obsolete electronic devices or safely disposing off electronic devices. It is a practice that each one of us must inculcate because inappropriate handling of discarded computers and other electronic devices can cause environmental hazards.
Studies estimate that over 40 million electronic pieces become obsolete annually. These pieces have constituents such as lead, cadmium, barium, and mercury, which are hazardous to the environment. In a landfill, these materials seep into the ground and then into our food and water supplies. This can cause serious health concerns over a long period.
Obsolete Computers: Environmental Threats
Obsolete computers that are simply dumped in the garbage drums are the biggest threat to the environment. The computer monitors have cathode ray tubes containing four to five pounds of lead that contaminates the environment acutely. Besides lead, the computers have many other hazardous elements such as mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium. When inhaled over a long period, these elements cause high blood pressure, liver and nerve disease, blood with poor iron, and even brain damage to the exposed group. This causes great concern, considering several million computers become obsolete annually.
Therefore, we must handle the obsolete electronic devices carefully. Moreover, different Environmental Laws have banned the illegal landfills by the disposals of computers and other electronic equipment. These laws necessitate sending the un-functional computers to a reputable recycler for harmless recycling. The laws also specify the need for regular recycling to avoid such computers from piling up.
There are several methods to deal with old computers. Some of them are as follows:
· Give It For Reuse: If your computer is in a decent condition, you can sell it to a company or an individual so that it can be used further, or simply donate it to someone needy.
· Trade It In: There are many computer dealers (e.g. HP) who offer trade-in promotions on computers and peripherals.
· Auction It: You can sell the computer on eBay or any other auction site. You can also organize a quick garage sale and see if any of your friends or neighbors wants the computer.
· Set up a Server: You can continue using the old computer as a server to store and share data.
· Salvage Some Parts: You can see which parts of your computers are in good working condition. You can salvage those parts and use them in your new computer.
Go for computer recycling and safe the planet earth!

Ultra Uranium Addresses Environmental Concerns

July 14th, 2009 at 10:37pm Under Environmental Law

As government and corporate leaders look to uranium as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel energy sources, some environmental groups are demanding that resource companies act responsibly. Recently, I spoke with the president of Ultra Uranium Corp. [TSX: V.ULU], Ray Roland, about Ultra’s stance on this issue.

In 2005, the corporation secured 100% ownership of the Kalnica-Selec Uranium Project in Slovakia’s western Povazsky Inovec Mountains. The property was originally explored by Uranovy Prieskum State Enterprise (UP) operated by the former Czechoslovakian government. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, UP conducted extensive exploration and development of the 28.91 square kilometre region. This work was halted in the early 1990s due to the global drop in uranium prices.

In February of this year, Ultra Uranium received a technical report on the Kalnica-Selec Project by geologist Dr. Boris Molak, PhD., P.Geo (BC). The report details the promising results of Uranovy Prieskum’s historical findings from radiometric surveys, geological mapping, extensive pitting and trenching vertical and horizontal drilling and tunneling. Dr. Molak, a Slovakian native, believes this region has promising potential for discovering additional mineralization deposits.

In recent months another resource company exploring for uranium in Slovakia, Tournigan Gold Corp., has received a strong backlash from Greenpeace and SOSNA (a local environmental group). The groups drafted a petition supported by at least 32,000 protesting Tournigan’s Jahodna project, located about 5 miles from the 250,000 residents of Kosice. Protestors are mainly concerned with the mining operation’s effects on a nearby protected bird sanctuary, water reservoir and the city’s recreational park.

Although Ultra Uranium has yet to experience such remonstrations and couldn’t comment on the Tournigan situation, Mr. Roland did say, “We realize that there are going to be environmental issues that we have to address before we do anything in the way of extraction. We are going to take the initiative to preclude problems of an environmental nature that might come up. We are not anticipating huge problems, but before we go in and do a drill program, for example, we would go in and talk to the local people. And we have an agent in Slovakia who is well-versed in doing that kind of thing.”

There are two villages, each with populations around 2,000 in Kalnica and Selec; however, they are not located in the areas where exploration work will resume. I also spoke with Dr. Molak, who said that during his next trip to Slovakia he plans to organize a presentation and talk to the local communities. This presentation will explain the company’s plans and intentions in the area and help to alleviate local inhabitants’ misconceptions or environmental concerns.

Because many people associate uranium with nuclear waste and cancer-causing radiation many misconceptions of the white hot metal exist. However, the operational processes and environmental aspects associated with uranium mining are common to all metalliferous mining.

In Situ Leach (ISL), extracting techniques are safe, environmentally friendly and cost advantageous. The method involves pumping liquids through the ore while still in the ground in order to recover the desired minerals. This process causes negligible disturbance and does not generate tailings. Most of the radioactivity remains well underground. There is minimal increase in radon release and no ore dust produced from this process. Whether ISL methods are feasible or not depends on site geology and ground water location. Uranium ore suitable for ISL occurs in permeable sand or sandstone located below the water table.

Ultra Uranium’s property in Slovakia is comprised of permeable sandstone and some areas might possess the right conditions for ISL mining. The detected mineralization sites in the Krajna region, by far the largest resources on the property, are located below the water table about 300-500 metres from the surface. But, the deposits in the Selec region are set above the water table in a 240 metre hill making ISL unfeasible and they will most likely be extracted by conventional means.

Conventional mining consists of removing rock from the earth, breaking it up and treating it to remove the desired minerals. The tailings or waste products contain most of the radioactive material from the original ore. After the project is complete these tailing dams are covered with two metres of clay and topsoil to reduce radiation to naturally occurring regional levels and vegetation cover is established. Despite the fears of some, uranium ore actually possesses a very low level of radioactivity. In fact, a lump of pure uranium emits fewer gamma rays than a lump of granite.

Today, modern uranium exploration and mining techniques are performed under well-established environmental constraints set in place to control off-site pollution including strict standards for limiting gamma radiation. Dr. Molak informed me that as a member of the European Union, Slovakia has very strict environmental regulations. “We must comply with European Union regulations which are pretty similar to Canadian [laws].” This also extends to the Non-Proliferation Treaty meaning that any uranium mined in Slovakia cannot be used for weapons.

The environmental policies of Slovakia are organized around principles of prevention, pre-caution and polluter responsibility. The central authority responsible for administering and regulating these policies is The Ministry of the Environment which requires licenses and environmental impact assessments for exploration and mining operations. These regulations are quite comprehensive.

During exploration work Ultra Uranium is required to comply with several Slovakian environmental laws that protect water reservoirs and agricultural and forest soil. Exploration activities are also prohibited from encroaching upon the vegetation of the Selecky Potok Natural Memorabilia and the game protection area at the south western margin of the licensed property. Ultra Uranium is required to adhere to established codes for integrating environmental pollution controls during the course of exploration.

When asked about the Slovakian government’s attitude towards nuclear energy and uranium mining, Mr. Roland offered: “They are very open. If not the best country in the world, they’re right at the top in terms of being amiable to mining opportunities. I think if you pay attention to the environmental side. . .you’re going to be welcomed with open arms.”

San Diego & Orange County California Environmental Attorney Asks Why Isn’t More Action Isn’t Taking Place to Reduce Global Warming

July 14th, 2009 at 04:37pm Under Environmental Law

If you care about the environment, no matter if you live in Corona del Mar, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista and Escondido, San Diego, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Buena Park, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, or Laguna Hills or work in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, San Bernardino, Temecula, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Victorville, Yucca Valley or Twentynine Palms, everyone has an opinion about global warming.

 

As an environmental attorney, and with all the recent footage coming in from around the world, it is clear not only that global warming is a problem, it is getting worse, and action is needed immediately.

 

What’s stopping action from taking place? Oil companies and energy companies of all kinds, some of whom reportedly spend more to confuse people and the issue than they do on alternative energy research.

 

Who else is at fault? Sadly, the Republican party, the executive actions of George Bush and what he has forced government agencies to do, and other groups, who because of their Republican support, were slow getting on the bandwagon.

 

The issue has also brought us some surprising heroes. Governor Schwarzenegger of California. Ex-President and Nobel Prize Winner, Al Gore. And scientists around the world.

 

One only need turn on the television to see the melting arctic ice, or to hear that polar bears are being forced to become cannibals to be concerned at how little is being done and how much is being done to confuse and fight those who are concerned about the environment. Even Senator McCain stands against his own running mate, Sarah Palin on environmental issues.

 

School children know more about the issue than adults because they study the science and refuse to believe the lies and false websites put out by the energy companies.

 

And yet, except for America, and China, the world seems to be as one, united in the fight against global warming. While more is being done around the world despite the obstinance of the U.S. and China, so much more could be accomplished if we had elected a leader in this area instead of one who led us into a costly and unnecessary war.

 

One can only applaud companies who are involved in renewable energy sources such as solar, and wind power, the building of energy free homes, environmental groups and the efforts of Governor Schwartzenegger to make California a leader in the world in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gasses.

 

It will take all of us to make the changes we need to save our planet, our environment and the animal species that are so much at risk. Only this week, in the news for October 2008, it was widely reported that one in four mammals face extinction. Yet, amazingly, there are still people who will either not believe that man is either the cause of global warming or who feel that it would be too costly to the economy to take actions to help the environment such as reducing greenhouse gasses.

 

It is hoped that with greater public awareness, and better education to our school children of the environmental problems we face, that when this new generation grows up demanding change and they ask the current generation how we could have let this problem get so bad without doing more to prevent it, it will not be too late to reverse the effects of mankind’s damage. 

 

 If you have an environmental legal matter in Orange County, San Diego, in Riverside, Palm Springs or anywhere in Southern California, we have the knowledge and resources to be your California Environmental Lawyers, and Orange County and San Diego Environment Attorneys. For this reason, be sure to hire a California law firm with environmental lawyers who can represent you from Palm Desert to Big Bear, Santa Ana, Chula Vista, Julian, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Carlsbad, Ventura and Malibu.

 

If you have an environmental matter and need to know your rights, call the Law Offices of R. Sebastian Gibson, or visit our website at http://www.sebastiangibsonlaw.com  and learn about your rights and options and how we can assist you. You can also call us to speak directly to Sebastian Gibson on the phone about your legal matter.

A Critical Look at Environmental Destruction and Man

July 14th, 2009 at 10:37am Under Environmental Law

A Critical Look at Environmental Destruction and Man

by

A. J. Uisso (Research Officer)

Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI)

P. o Box 1854 – Morogoro Tanzania

(uissoaj@yahoo.com)

Introduction

Environment is an encompassing phenomenon, which include a lot of things like land, water, air and human being among other things. There are always interactions between these individual components. Over the course of this century, the relationship between man and the environment that sustain it has undergone a profound change. When the century began, neither the human numbers nor technology had power to radically alter the systems of the planet. As the century closes, not only the vastly increased human population and their activities have hat power, but major unintended changes are occurring in the atmosphere, soils, in waters, among plants and animals and in the relationship among all of these. This article, however, discusses the relationship between environmental destruction and man, and the way forward to rescue our deteriorating environment.

Environment destruction and man

In the course of our development activities, our natural capital stocks continue to suffer considerable depletion and digression. Much of what are called natural disasters such as floods, area result of our mismanagement of the environment.

Industrialization and poor management and utilization of natural resources surrounding human being plays key roles in causing environmental damages and degradation. It is apparent that environment has a role to play in our day to day life in that it forms one of the components leading to basis and foundations for our lives. Therefore, its deterioration affects our very lives. It is a reality that in a bid to search for development and ensure natural resources in an uncontrollable manner man in turn, either knowingly or unknowingly adversely affects the environmental base.

The growing urban population is largely depend on fuelwood or charcoal for energy, on local water supplies and is directly affected by growing urban environmental problems of land, water, air and noise pollution. Urban industries have little pollution control, waste disposal is organized only for a few, and unplanned urban growth now occurs in several parts of the country.

In these ways the whole world particularly developing countries are directly affected by the environmental issues which have now assumed proportions that threaten the foundations of human life and development. Among the environmental issues due to human activities are, land degradation, air pollution, solid and liquid waste management, deforestation, wetland degradation, fresh water access and quality, loss of biodiversity and introduction of alien species.

Way forward

From this line of argument therefore, it remains upon the man himself to have sense of responsibility and see an utmost importance of protecting the environment. Needless to emphasize, our lives depend much on the environment surrounding us. Hence we are forced to utilize the natural resources obtaining there from properly. As such we have the same time to conserve, promote and protect it. Conclusively, there should be a controlled system of harvesting the resources and these should be enforced by environmental laws. For effective enforcement of environmental laws /policies, the following areas must be improved:

• Ensure fairness (avoid biases) of the laws.

• Use appropriate language to ensure maximum communication, thus making it easier to understand.

• Create laws that emphasize decentralization of powers to local leaders, which may be used to report any intention and give power to coordinate all functions and activities geared towards the protection of environment within their areas.

• Promote compliance through education and incentives.

• Ensure consistency of environmental laws with any existing laws in other sectors.

• Ensure that environmental laws requirements are enforceable and that there are adequate funds for their implementation.

• Provide the authority necessary for to enforce environmental laws.

An Overview Of New York Law Schools

July 14th, 2009 at 04:37am Under Environmental Law

The state of New York offers a large selection of reputable law schools, with nearly two dozens in the ranks, from the renowned Columbia School of Law to the more affordable state university. Following is a brief alphabetical overview of some of the possibilities.
Located in the state capital, Albany Law School was founded in 1851 and is the nation’s oldest independent law school. The school is located near the Court of Appeals and other government agencies affording the student with vast opportunities such as internships and the ability to see law in action is a wonderful supplement to the extensive classroom training. The cost of tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $38,900.
The Brooklyn Law School first opened their doors in 1901. Back then, the school was located in the basement of a business school on Ryerson Street. That first year saw thirteen first year students and five-second year students pass though their doors.
The school was known from the start as an equal opportunity educational facilities blind to race or ethnic background, welcoming African-American students as early as 1909. In the heart of Brooklyn, the law school is in the very beat of the world’s cultural and legal center of the world. Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is listed as $42,350. For more information please go to their website.
Originally founded in 1754 under the name of King’s College, what is now known as Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King’s College. After a brief respite during the Revolution the school reopened in 1784 under its present name of Columbia. The law school offers a diverse choice of studies with many focused courses available, such as business law, environmental law and the lesser available courses like gender studies and clinics in action.
The law school list’s its current tuition at $44,124 for the full academic year. For more detailed information you can visit their website.
Cornell University does not hold the distinction of a top ten law school but it does offer an outstanding education facility that limits its enrollment to a maximum of 180 students per year. This is less than a third of what are accepted into Harvard and afford each student a highly personalized education.
Cornell Law admitted its first class of, mainly male, law students in 1887 and offered a new age from of teaching, with clerk-ships and on the job training at many of the legal offices in the city. Tuition is listed as $46,670.
There are many other fine choices such as New York University, Fordham University and the lesser known Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University which continues to expand and impress each year.

The World of Law 101

July 13th, 2009 at 10:37pm Under Environmental Law

The most experience the majority of people have with lawyers is through lawyer jokes. Attorneys are notorious for charging extremely high hourly rates, being argumentative, and needing to be right all the time. To convince a group of people they have never met before to agree with them over someone else is their job so they need to be self-assured and aggressive. If you are someone who thinks this job sounds like fun and you think you have what it takes to do well in this field, then you should definitely try it. The job itself is a large amount of work but if you know that this career is the one for you then you need to get started.

In order to get a better idea if the law is a great fit, you need to talk to a few lawyers (preferably ones in different fields such as bankruptcy law and criminal law), sit in on a few law school classes, and observe a trial. Research what the law really is. Ask the people you talk to what their normal day looks like and what they love and hate the most about their jobs. The more information you gather now, the more prepared you are. If you are still interested after you hear even about the downsides, then you need to start applying to law school.

Law school applications are a grueling process. Your LSAT scores need to be high, your recommendations need to be strong, and you need to have a great undergraduate academic record. Individuals in the law school admissions department are looking for individuals that can handle the rigorous course load and schedule of studying law. If they think you are a strong candidate, you will have no problem earning acceptance letters.

Once in law school you learn the basics before you advance onto more specific types of law. If bankruptcy law is what you are most interested in, that is great but you need to spend time learning about the law in general and the practice of it first. You might even change your mind and decide you would prefer to not deal with Chapter 11 or  Chapter 7 bankruptcy and want to pursue environmental law instead. Good luck with your new career! 

Santa Barbara, Oxnard & Ventura California Energy Law Attorney Considers the Effect of Lifting of the Ban on Offshore Drilling – None

July 13th, 2009 at 04:37am Under Environmental Law

Anyone who lives in Southern California or who appreciates the coastline from San Diego to San Francisco has seen the offshore oil rigs along the coast of Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Ventura and Long Beach. If you live in any of the other coastal cities such as Corona del Mar, San Diego, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Cambria or San Simeon you see something different – pristine beaches without offshore oil rigs. 

In the midst of America’s financial meltdown and on the same weekend as Congress put together a $700 billion bailout, Congress did away with a 26 year ban on offshore oil drilling to the dismay of environmentalists. The Drill Now movement and chants of “Drill, Baby, Drill” may have won a small skirmish on this environmental issue, but California will have the last word.

Despite the ban on offshore oil drilling, it is believed that such drilling, at least off the coast of California is unlikely to occur for many years, if ever. Democrats in Congress are already vowing to reinstate the ban when a new Congress takes their seats in four months. And political opposition, marine protection laws and almost certain lawsuits by environmental groups in California make offshore oil drilling an unlikely event.

First, there is a general belief of Californians, including the Governor, that the California coastline is an international treasure, not to mention a draw to tourists from around the world. Few politicians in the state would dare to jeopardize that treasure.

Second, a law passed by former Governor Pete Wilson already bans all offshore oil drilling in California out to three miles from shore.

Third, there are 300 miles of national marine sanctuaries along the California coast which ban oil drilling.

Fourth, nearly every coastal county in the State of California has enacted ordinances banning new oil pipelines, oil terminals and tanks in the State.

Fifth, environmental groups are already vowing to file lawsuits, and they could be joined by the California Coastal Commission.

While California has around 30 oil platforms off the coast of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Long Beach that were built in the 1950s, no new oil platforms have been built in over 50 years.

It is estimated that California has at least 10.5 billion barrels of oil offshore – about a year and a half of the nation’s yearly supply. This is comparable to the estimate of oil in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

But if anything, despite the oil crisis and the financial crisis, in light of global warming and calls for investment in alternative energies, Californians are becoming more and more environmentally aware. Any politician running on any platform (oil or not) based on drilling offshore at a risk to the California scenic coastline, will have a hard time being elected.

If you have an oil, natural resources, energy or environmental law issue in San Diego, Newport Beach, Irvine, Orange County, La Jolla, in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Palm Springs or anywhere in Southern California, we have the knowledge and resources to be your California Energy Lawyer and your Ventura Environmental Attorney. Be sure to hire a California law firm with environmental law experience who can serve areas such as Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Anaheim, Irvine, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Newport Beach, Carlsbad, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fullerton, Del Mar, San Diego, Orange County, San Luis Obispo, Buena Park, La Jolla, Oxnard, Ventura, La Quinta, and Santa Barbara so you are properly represented.

If you have a water law, oil, energy, natural resources or environmental dispute of any kind, call the Law Offices of R. Sebastian Gibson, or visit our website at http://www.sebastiangibsonlaw.com  and learn how we can assist you.