Victory for Climate and Environmental Justice
Oil Accountability Triumph: AB 1167 Signed into Law
After much anticipation, AB 1167, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at holding the oil industry accountable, has been signed into law by the Governor. This is a significant victory for environmental justice advocates, who have sought critical protections against Big Oil for decades.
AB 1167 is a common-sense solution to a persistent issue. It targets the practice of oil companies selling off low-producing wells to smaller entities, ultimately leaving taxpayers responsible for the costly cleanup. While existing laws like AB 1057 have addressed the deficiency in bond funds, AB 1167 fills a critical gap. It ensures that when wells are transferred to smaller, less financially secure operators, the new operators must provide financial assurance that covers the true cost of well closure and cleanup. Orphan wells are not just an economic issue but a severe public health hazard. Often leaking hazardous air pollutants and methane, these wells are located dangerously close causing adverse health effects among residents. AB 1167 provides assurance that these wells will be properly plugged and abandoned by the operator at the end of their use, keeping residents out of harm's way.
AB 1167's signing into law is a promising step towards better environmental protection and industry accountability. It ensures that the true costs of well abandonment are shouldered by those responsible, preventing taxpayers from bearing the burden of contamination and cleanup.
With this legislation in place, we can expect to see a more responsible approach to well transfers and a significant reduction in the number of orphaned wells in California. It sets a precedent for other states to follow suit, helping to protect our environment and our communities.
Goodbye Inglewood Oil Field, Hello Healthier Communities
On October 4th, the LA County Regional Planning Commission (RPC) took a significant step towards environmental justice by voting in support of an amendment that would prohibit new oil drilling operations and phase out existing ones in the Inglewood Oil Field. The amendment, which has been a long time coming, will now need to be approved by two future Board of Supervisor votes to become law.
To understand the significance of this vote, let's rewind to September 2021. Just two years ago, the LA County Board of Supervisors achieved a landmark victory by passing an ordinance to phase out oil drilling across much of Los Angeles County. This groundbreaking move marked a significant step toward relieving communities throughout the County from the burdens of LA's toxic oil industry. However, the Inglewood Oil Field was governed by separate regulations, requiring a distinct amendment to address its unique situation.
The communities surrounding the Inglewood Oil Field have endured generations of suffering due to the negative impacts of oil drilling. These impacts encompass a wide range of health issues, such as headaches, asthma, preterm births, and other health afflictions. These challenges have disproportionately impacted the predominantly Black and Latinx communities living in close proximity to the oil field. The recent canvassing efforts by SCOPE, Black Women for Wellness, and Rising Communities in this area serve as compelling evidence of residents' persistent demand for an end to drilling.
What Happened on October 4th: The RPC voted to approve an amendment to the Baldwin Hills Community Standards District (CSD), which governs the portion of the Inglewood Oil Field in unincorporated LA County. This amendment is the first step towards bringing regulation of the IOF in alignment with existing County law that states oil and gas drilling is a non-conforming land use. With this crucial endorsement from the Commission, the proposed amendment will now move forward to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for formal approval, a vote expected in early 2024.
Community residents, organizers with STAND-L.A., and the Los Angeles County Coalition against drilling have expressed immense joy and relief following the RPC's vote. This vote serves as a powerful testament to the remarkable impact of community advocacy in the ongoing battle against Big Oil. The LA County Board of Supervisors' upcoming decision will play a pivotal role in securing a healthier future for the Inglewood Oil Field and its neighboring communities. It will bring us a step closer to ensuring cleaner air, improved health, and safer communities for all Angelenos.
Stay tuned for further updates on this important journey towards environmental justice.
