Update, December 16 2022: Immediately after SB 1137 was approved, oil and gas companies began the process of petitioning for a referendum. Their months-long signature campaign to have these necessary buffer zones put on hold until 2024 came to an end yesterday, their deadline to submit the necessary 623,000 signatures. We will continue to fight until Big Oil backs down and SB 1137 is put into effect.
Update, August 31st 2022: We've been waiting for CalGEM to publish their final public health regulations, so were surprised when Governor Newsom made legislative approval of the buffer a cornerstone of his August 12 climate package. While we were nervous about the odds of passing a bill that has already failed in the legislature twice in the past 3 years, the governor's public commitment won the day and the buffer zone bill, SB 1137 (Limon, Gonzalez) squeaked through on the last day of session. Thank you for your support for this action over the past 4 years!
CalGEM (the state agency that regulates oil and gas production) and the Governor’s office have proposed new oil and gas public health rules. They have proposed a 3200-foot setback from new oil and gas wells to protect frontline communities. This is huge -- but we have to make sure the proposal is finalized.
These rules are in draft form only - and we know that the oil and gas industry will fight this proposal tooth and nail. We need your help. Raise your voice alongside impacted communities in support of this proposal. We need to come out in numbers to protect the health and lives of our children and families.
Right now, more than 7.5 Million Californians live within a mile of the toxic byproducts of oil and gas drilling in their neighborhoods. The proposed 3,200 foot setback buffer between oil and gas sites and homes, schools, and healthcare facilities is an essential first step forward to achieve environmental justice for these families.
