The Center for Biological Diversity sued California oil regulators for approving about two dozen new oil and gas wells in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties close to homes, beaches, and important habitats, arguing Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration did not properly consider how the drilling would affect the environment.
The lawsuit was filed on Thursday and said the California Geologic Energy Management Division in December approved 15 new oil and gas wells in Long Beach and that state officials relied on an outdated environmental impact report that did not consider updated climate changes or any potential health hazards that could affect residents living in the area.
The Long Beach wells are within 3,200 feet of homes and community gathering sites, according to the documents.That zone would be protected under a health-and-safety zone that Newsom signed into law last year.
