TL/DR –
California is finally breathing easier as Big Oil withdrew its attempt to overturn a historic law that curbs neighborhood oil drilling. After a two-year suspense filled with deceptive tactics, oil barons have backed off from fighting Senate Bill 1137, which bans new oil and gas well permits near homes, schools and clinics. Despite Big Oil spending millions to kill this environmental justice win, community organizers, activists, and legislation-savvy allies proved that even fossil fuel giants can’t steamroll health and safety—looks like Big Oil isn’t the slick one anymore.
California’s environmental justice communities celebrated a recent victory as the oil industry withdrew its efforts to overturn a ground-breaking law designed to reduce the harmful effects of local oil drilling. Senate Bill 1137 imposes restrictions on new oil and gas well developments within 3,200 feet of sensitive sites such as homes, schools, and clinics. The bill was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022 as part of a comprehensive package for climate measures to expedite the state’s transition to clean energy.
However, the ink on this landmark public health measure had hardly dried when the oil industry proposed a referendum to overturn it. Unsurprisingly, the oil industry invested over $20 million into a misleading campaign, using deceptive tactics to ensure the referendum would qualify for the ballot last February.
Living near oil and gas operations exposes communities to harmful chemicals linked to serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, preterm births and even early death. A study published last year showed that Black, Latino and low-income Californians were the most affected by these operations.
Grassroots organizers and community activists have made significant strides in ensuring the enforcement of the setback law, as well as proposing legislation to advance transition models and establish resilience hubs. Despite the oil industry’s threats of a legal challenge, state legislators are prepared to respond to any attempts to circumvent the law, continuing to fight for environmental justice and a clean future for all.
The oil industry pulling its referendum led to oil and gas regulators putting neighborhood oil drillers on notice. They must comply with the provisions established by Senate Bill 1137 or risk enforcement action. The victory stands as a testament to the power of community organization and the decades-long fight against the harmful impacts of fossil fuels.
While the setback law represents a victory that has been decades in the making, the fight continues. The focus now turns to ensuring the enforcement of setbacks, advancing just transition models, and establishing resilience hubs in communities to build resilience to the increasingly intense heat waves caused by climate change. This win against Big Oil is a significant pivot point and a major step towards a greener, cleaner future.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org
