Stop Oil Seeps (SOS California) is a new Santa Barbara-based environmental organization considering the possibilities of oil drilling in our oceans. The group is organizing efforts within the local community to discuss the benefits of offshore drilling.  

The catch is, they are also doing what they can to ensure the environmental risks are minimal.  Co-founder Bruce Allen feels that there are fewer oil spills associated with drilling than with naturally occurring oil seepage into our oceans and sensitive environment.

SOS California describes “natural gas and oil seepage [as] the greatest source of petroleum pollution in the ocean and atmosphere.” Being based in Santa Barbara, California -- one of the largest locations of oil seepage in the world -- SOS California has experience in the environmental damage that can occur in ocean environments from oil seepage. Not only is seepage dangerous for the quality of water and health of marine life, but the atmosphere as well. Maybe collecting this naturally-occurring energy source, which is also easier to access, is a way to improve the Santa Barbara coast and supply some extra fossil fuel to our stressed market, at least in the short term before our energy policies move to clean sources.