For Immediate Release, July 24, 2018 Contact: Jason Pfeifle, Center for Biological Diversity, (510) 844-7160 x 313, jpfeifle@biologicaldiversity.org

Deborah McQueen, Livermore Eco Watchdogs, (925) 895-7059, info@livermoreecowatchdogs.org Board of Supervisors' Decision Ends Fossil Fuel Extraction in Alameda County Supervisors Shutter Spill-prone Oil Producer's Livermore Oil Wells OAKLAND, Calif.— The Alameda County Board of Supervisors today voted 4-0 to reject two permits that would have allowed a Bakersfield-based company with a history of spills and violations to continue extracting oil in Livermore for another decade. Because this was the only active oil or gas production operation in the county, today’s decision effectively ends fossil fuel extraction there. “The supervisors should be applauded for their tough stand against fossil fuel extraction,” said Deborah McQueen, a local resident and member of Livermore Eco Watchdogs. “Sending this irresponsible polluter packing will help keep our groundwater safe from contamination — a huge victory for Livermore and our nearby communities.” “While the state continues to roll out the red carpet for the oil industry, Alameda County is showing what real climate leadership looks like,” said Jason Pfeifle, a climate campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity. “It’s a powerful example of how local governments can step up to protect their communities and the climate from dangerous fossil fuel pollution.” E&B Natural Resources, which operates in California, Louisiana, Kansas and Wyoming, was seeking approval for a pair of permits to extend and expand its operations for another 10 years. On May 24 the Alameda East County Board of Zoning Adjustments approved the permits, despite hundreds of residents voicing their opposition to the project. On June 1 the Center and Livermore Eco Watchdogs appealed that decision to the board of supervisors, who today sided with the groups. Because E&B’s previous permits expired in January 2018, today’s decision will force E&B to cease its Livermore operations.

In 2015 Alameda County officials reported a spill of toxic fluid at E&B’s Livermore site, which contaminated 12 feet of soil that had to be removed. E&B was fined for failing to report the spill immediately and disposing of the soil without testing for hazardous chemicals. The company has reported at least 48 spills of oil or other hazardous materials in four different California counties since 2007, according to records from the California Office of Emergency Services. E&B had also sought state and federal approval to nearly triple the area of the Livermore aquifer into which it can inject toxic wastewater. In addition, E&B had plans to acquire a state permit for an extraction technique called waterflooding, which uses pressure from injecting wastewater to push oil up to the surface.