We urge the San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors to uphold the Planning Commission’s decision to deny the Phillips 66 oil rail spur project.

We have lived in Paso Robles since 1991. We have seen our beautiful city undergo many changes. We do not want to see all the progress our city has made put at risk by the Phillips 66 oil train project. Paso is especially vulnerable to a train derailment. Just about every building of importance is located within the “blast zone,” including the entire downtown, which lies within a stone’s throw of the tracks! Our city has worked very hard to make it a tourist destination. Let’s not forget: Tourism and vineyards don’t mix with mile-long dangerous oil trains.

And what is true for Paso is also true for numerous other communities in our county. So why take the risk? We believe that the safety of residents and the overall economic well-being of the county is much more important than providing “better business conditions” for a multi-national corporation. During the last round of hearings, the public overwhelmingly rejected Phillips 66’s proposal. Our representatives on the board should do the same. Clearly, it’s the right thing to do. 

-- Klaus Schumann - Paso Robles