California Senate Committee Advances Landmark Oil Drilling Legislation

“California is one step closer to shutting down wells that endanger communities and cleaning up oil well contamination.”Photo byDonald GiannattionUnsplash

The California Senate Appropriations Committee has passed critical legislation aimed at holding oil drillers accountable for pollution. The bills, now moving to the California Senate for a vote, target several key areas: the plugging of idle wells, the shutdown of low-production wells, and the protection of local drilling restrictions.

Jamie Court, President of Consumer Watchdog, lauded the legislation, stating, “California is one step closer to shutting down wells that endanger communities and cleaning up oil well contamination.” The legislative package includes:

• AB 2716 (Bryan): The Low Producing Well Accountability Act, which imposes a $10,000 monthly fee on wells in the Inglewood Oil Field producing less than 15 barrels per day. This bill follows an agreement to enforce a ban on new drilling permits near communities.
• AB 1866 (Hart): The Idle Oil Well Cleanup Act, which prioritizes the cleanup and plugging of idle wells to safeguard communities.
• AB 3233 (Addis): The Local Environmental Choice and Safety Act, which defends local statutes limiting drilling from being overridden by state regulations.