October 16, 2020
Hundreds of thousands of Los Angeles County residents live near oil and gas drilling sites where toxic, health-threatening pollutants are released into the air, water, and soil. Numerous studies link proximity to oil and gas wells to health impacts including cancer, premature mortality, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. We must protect our communities and our planet, which is why we call for an end to drilling where we’re living.
LA County Supervisors have directed the Department of Regional Planning to update their oil and gas regulations for the first time in over 40 years. Unfortunately, the Department of Regional Planning’s first draft proposal is inadequate by only recommending a 500-ft setback between new oil wells and homes, and grandfathering in existing wells, even within this small buffer area. We know scientific research recommends 2500-foot setbacks to protect public health from impacts of oil and gas extraction.
Sierra Club members and our allies have continued to make our voices heard to demand stronger regulations to protect our communities and climate. This week we submitted a letter with over 80 other organizations, including labor unions, public health advocates, faith institutions, community based organizations and environmental justice allies to tell the agency to prohibit any new and existing drilling within 2,500 feet of a home, playground, hospital, or school.
Big thanks to our over 1,200 activists who have also written their own letter. Take action today: sc.org/laoil
[Header photo: Oil rig pumpjacks extract crude from the Wilmington Field oil deposits. (Source: Reuters/David McNew) all rights reserved]