SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) - The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing on a symbolic measure to support offshore drilling.

Members on Tuesday are expected to narrowly approve sending a letter asking Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to change state policy and allow oil exploration and drilling in the county. \

The board has no power to approve new drilling itself.

The letter has drawn fire in the county, the site of a massive offshore spill in 1969 that led to the modern environmental movement. Dozens of speakers are expected to voice opinions at the meeting.