Creation Covenant Alliance

California Governor Approves Legislation to Enhance Regulations on Oil and Gas Drilling

Gov. Newsom signed laws to hold oil companies accountable, protect neighborhoods from oil wells, and affirm local regulation.
Children play soccer next to active oil wells in Los Angeles County’s Inglewood Oil Field, the largest urban oil field in the nation. Credit: Gary Kavanagh

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new laws on Wednesday to hold oil companies accountable and protect neighborhoods from oil development, marking a significant victory for community groups.

“It has been a long and winding road to get here,” said Martha Dina Argüello, executive director of Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles, at the Inglewood Oil Field in Los Angeles.

“This moment has been fueled by years of persistent and principled organizing by many community organizations,” Argüello said. “Communities that have lived with the harmful effects of oil drilling and pollution where we live, work, play, and learn.”

Over 1 million Californians live near active oil and gas wells, with more than 60 percent in Los Angeles County, most of whom are Black, Latino, or socioeconomically marginalized, researchers reported last year.

“The oil industry has fought back with its wealth, power, dirty tactics, and profits made off the backs of our communities,” Argüello said. “We have faced this industry with its deep pockets and we have prevailed. Justice has prevailed.”

Activists had rallied in Sacramento last month to urge their state senators to pass the “make polluters pay” package. The bills reached the governor’s desk after passing the state Senate in late August.

Newsom signed the bills on a Los Angeles County soccer field where kids struggled to breathe while playing near polluting oil wells.

The laws affirm local governments’ authority to restrict or ban oil drilling (A.B. 3233), accelerate the timeline for plugging the state’s idle wells (A.B. 1866), and penalize companies that operate low-producing wells within the Baldwin Hills Conservancy (A.B. 2716).

Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts shared emotional remarks, recalling how he and others believed the oil wells were dinosaurs as children. He thanked the governor and legislators for cleaning up low-producing wells and directing funds back to the community to give kids better opportunities.

A.B. 3233 overrides recent court decisions that overturned local ordinances, affirming local governments’ right to regulate polluters in their communities.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who led the county effort to restrict drilling, said her son, who has asthma, “tried to play soccer on this field.”

A pumpjack emits toxic gases as it extracts crude oil barely 25 feet from the home of a family in Arvin, California. Credit: Liza Gross/Inside Climate News
A pumpjack emits toxic gases as it extracts crude oil barely 25 feet from the home of a family in Arvin California Credit Liza GrossInside Climate News

Mitchell emphasized the importance of proximity, highlighting the multi-generational harm caused by living, working, and playing near oil wells.

A.B. 2716, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles), prohibits companies from operating wells that produce less than 15 barrels of oil a day within the Baldwin Hills Conservancy and imposes a $10,000 monthly penalty for wells that have been low-producing for over a year.

A.B. 1866 increases fees for operators who fail to plug and clean up idle wells. “There are more than 40,000 idle oil wells that are leaking into our groundwater and polluting our air, and the oil companies are not taking responsibility,” said author Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara).

These new laws are a significant victory for frontline communities bearing the brunt of oil and gas pollution for decades, said Hollin Kretzmann, senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity.

Even as Newsom thanked advocates and legislators, he warned that the battle is not over. Legislators will meet in a special session to stabilize gas prices, which remain higher than the national average despite dropping crude oil prices.

“We are taking on Big Oil and have a real chance of winning,” Newsom said, emphasizing the need to hold oil companies accountable.

Community members remain committed to protecting their neighborhoods from polluting oil and gas wells. “We remain steadfast in our mission and dedication to protect our communities,” said Argüello. This includes ensuring the implementation of these laws to benefit communities.

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024