Governor Newsom Signs Laws Empowering Communities to Restrict Oil Operations in California

“Today marks a major step forward for community health,” said Governor Newsom.Photo byDocumericaonUnsplash

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed three significant bills into law that will enhance local authority over oil and gas operations, aiming to protect public health and the environment while accelerating the plugging of idle oil wells.

“Today marks a major step forward for community health,” said Governor Newsom. “These laws empower local leaders to limit dangerous oil and gas activities near homes, schools, and other sensitive areas, while also providing the state with the necessary tools to address idle wells that pose environmental risks.”

Among the new legislation is AB 3233, authored by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), which grants cities and counties the power to restrict or prohibit new oil and gas developments. This legislation overrides recent court rulings that impeded local ordinances aimed at limiting drilling in Monterey County and Los Angeles.

“This is a vital win for communities across California,” said Addis. “It affirms our right to clean air and water, free from oil and gas pollution.”