What CFROG Stands For: A History of Our Organization’s Identity

As part of CFROG’s 10th anniversary celebrations, and as we wrap up our “birthday” month, we’re shedding light on a win that reflects the history of our organization and the true nature of our work. Back in 2013, a group of concerned neighbors in Ojai got wind of a proposed oil drilling operation in their neighborhood. Concerned about health and environmental hazards, they researched the impacts of local drilling operations – only to discover that hard data was not available to the public and it was very difficult for community members to engage in the decision-making process. Ventura County desperately needed an organized effort to monitor oil and gas drilling, and advocate for policies that protect the environment and public health.  Awarded tax-exempt status in 2014, CFROG first functioned as a watchdog organization, monitoring oil and gas operations and pressing officials to properly review, permit, and monitor drilling operations. At this time, CFROG’s name stood for “Citizens for Responsible Oil and Gas,” as we worked towards shaping more responsible permitting and regulatory processes when it came to oil and gas operations in Ventura County. But after a few years of working towards this mission, through lawsuits, environmental and health impact studies, and many hours in hearing rooms, it became clear to us: there was no such thing as responsible oil and gas drilling and operations. And so, “Citizens for Responsible Oil and Gas” became Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas. Then Ventura County experienced the Thomas Fire, one of the worst wildfires in California history. The effects of climate change went from solid science to sobering reality. We knew we needed to do more. In 2018, we expanded CFROG’s mission to include pushing the clean energy future forward, alongside monitoring oil industry wrongdoing. We now also advocate for positive changes that promote moving our region beyond fossil fuels: clean power, green jobs, community-based air monitoring, and allyship to environmental justice fights.

• In 2018, CFROG received our first major government funding through the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This funding allowed us to establish our first ever air monitoring program, composed of 25 low-cost monitors measuring particulate matter and six more advanced monitors measuring ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, which aimed to fill gaps in air quality data across the county and engage community members in science-informed decision-making.  In recent years, our air monitoring program has expanded to address additional air quality concerns related to black carbon emissions from diesel and freight transportation networks in South Oxnard and Port Hueneme.
• In 2020, we launched our Climate Action and Clean Energy program, which focuses on the demand side of a clean energy transition. Through this program area, we have successfully advocated for building electrification reach codes, robust climate action plans, and have worked to electrify Ventura County communities through a partnership with the Clean Power Alliance. 
• In 2021, we established and hosted our first cohort of the Environmental Voices Academy (EVA) to help build and prepare the next generation of climate advocates. Since then, we’ve had over 40 youth advocates complete the program, gaining knowledge and experiences in meetings with elected officials, writing letters to the editor (and getting published), passing resolutions, and so much more. 
• In 2022-2023, CFROG established a partnership with labor unions in Ventura County and throughout California’s Central Coast. Through this partnership, we created a Green Workforce Development program, which seeks to equip workers with the skills needed for careers in renewable energy as opposed to fossil fuels. This unique program utilizes Virtual Reality (VR) technology to train workers and young adults through an offshore wind pre-apprenticeship program. As CFROG advocates for a clean energy future, we want to ensure that nobody is left behind in this transition.

Over the last ten years, we’ve grown from an incredible volunteer-led group to an organization with a small but mighty staff, a dedicated board, an office, and programs across the energy transition. CFROG’s name change was more than replacing a few words. It reflects our growth and evolution as an organization, the reality of this work, and the future we envision. And although CFROG has undergone a handful of changes in our 10 years of existence, from our name to our logo, we embrace these changes with excitement, intention, and most importantly, a deep-rooted appreciation for Ventura County’s communities and environment. As we continue to grow and change as an organization, one thing will always remain the same: our commitment to you.