The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Friday to phase out oil drilling in the city, approving an ordinance that bans new oil and gas extraction.
The council voted 12–0 for the ordinance, which amends the municipal code to make existing extraction activities a nonconforming use in all zones.
“We’re sending a clear message to big oil: The city of Los Angeles is moving into a new era with this vote today, and we will no longer tolerate oil and gas extraction,” Councilman Mitch O'Farrell said at the meeting.
The city ordinance phases out all such oil and gas extraction activities by banning new oil and gas extraction and ceasing existing operations within 20 years. Operators would not be able to expand their existing sites or extend the life of a well during the 20-year phase-out period.
Many community groups have lobbied Los Angeles to stop oil drilling, citing the harm it has on communities that are disproportionately felt in working-class communities and communities of color. More than 500,000 Los Angeles County residents live within a half-mile of an active oil well.
Concerns from community members have mounted at recent council meetings over a potential loss of jobs and an increase in gas prices.
Council President Paul Krekorian responded to such concerns at a briefing following the meeting, saying he believes the era of oil and gas is ending regardless, and less than 1 percent of crude oil processed in Southern California refineries comes from wells in Los Angeles, so the loss of oil drilling will not impact gas prices locally.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a similar ordinance in October.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed new rules last October, under which new oil wells or drilling facilities in California would have to be at least 3,200 feet from homes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other “sensitive locations.”
Newsom cited the impact that toxic chemicals have on communities, including asthma and birth defects. The proposal is undergoing an economic analysis and public comment before taking effect. The governor has also called for a statewide phase-out of oil extraction by 2045.
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