The signed legislation grants local communities more authority to restrict oil and gas operations near sensitive areas and address the environmental risks of idle wells, while also ensuring the permanent shutdown of low-production wells.
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed three new laws aimed at restricting oil and gas operations near schools, daycares, and residential communities. These laws grant local governments the authority to limit or ban oil and gas activities within their jurisdictions, empowering cities and counties to protect vulnerable populations from the harmful effects of industrial operations. This legislation also addresses previous legal challenges that had blocked local ordinances, allowing communities to move forward with stronger protections.
In addition to granting local control, the new laws tackle the environmental risks posed by idle oil and gas wells. These wells, often left unattended and unsealed, present a danger to surrounding neighborhoods. The legislation increases fees on idle wells and requires oil companies to decommission them more quickly, preventing potential leaks and contamination. This proactive approach is intended to hold oil companies accountable for the maintenance and safe closure of wells across the state.
One of the laws specifically targets the Inglewood Oil Field, California’s largest urban oil field, where low-production wells will now be shut down permanently. Companies operating these wells will face monthly fines until the wells are plugged and abandoned, with the penalty funds allocated to community improvement projects like parks. These laws are part of California’s broader strategy to reduce pollution and safeguard public health, while holding the oil industry accountable for its impact on local communities.
Addressing Orphan Wells for Environmental Justice
Remediating and repurposing some orphan oil and gas wells into parks can turn environmental hazards into community assets, promoting health, environmental justice, and accessible green space for underserved areas.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Healing the Land: Collaborative Effort to Reclaim Orphan Well Sites
The Well Done Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are partnering to plug over 110 orphan wells across four National Wildlife Refuges, restoring habitats, protecting ecosystems, and reducing methane emissions.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.
From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.
Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
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