SHAFTER, Calif. - More than 50,000 signatures from Kern County residents were presented at a press conference on Saturday in Shafter to show Governor Jerry Brown the impacts of fracking first hand. 

"When we frack, we don't just frack for gas, we also frack for oil," said 350.org campaign coordinator Linda Capato. "Every barrel of oil we get is burned, and that carbon goes into the atmosphere."

The petition is part of a growing effort to force governor Brown to "face the reality that fracking is wasting and poisoning California's water, polluting the climate and endangering families," according to a statement by the Race Poverty and the Environment organization.

The signatures were gathered by 350.org, Center for Biological Diversity, Center on Race Poverty and the Environment, Credo, Earthworks, Environment California, Food and Water Watch and Oil Change International.

"Essentially what will happen if we cease fracking -- it will lead to job loss," said Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce official Blodgie Rodriguez. "Those dollars will go to other states and other countries."

Californians for a Safe, Secure Energy Future -- a pro-energy coalition -- estimates more than 48,000 jobs in Kern County are tied to the oil and gas industry. In 2012, the organization reports local energy companies paid more than $1.2 billion in state and local taxes.

---

Download our 23ABC mobile and tablet app to stay up-to-date with this story and community news.

Like 23ABC’s Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/23ABCBakersfield

iPhone -   http://bit.ly/23ABCiPhone     
Android -   http://bit.ly/23ABCAndroid
iPad -   http://bit.ly/23ABCiPad     
Kindle -   http://bit.ly/23ABCKindle
Windows 8 - http://bit.ly/23ABCWindows