Barragán Statement on Governor's Proposed Oil Well Setback

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán made the following statement on the Newsom Administration taking the first step towards establishing a mandatory setback between new oil and gas wells and homes, schools and healthcare facilities.

"Children and families should not have to live near oil drilling facilities and suffer the health effects from the pollution these facilities produce. This is an issue I have championed alongside environmental justice partners for years.

"I applaud Governor Newsom for acting to impose a 3,200-foot setback for new drilling, including prohibiting the re-drilling of sites within the buffer zone. It is a good first step, as we look to ultimately put an end to all urban oil drilling and production.

"Next, we must stop the drilling happening right now within the proposed public health setback areas. There are many places in my district where working oil wells are pumping right next to homes, schools, and playgrounds. They need to be shut down.

"Finally, we need to realize that there is no safe way to drill and produce oil. The state of California must stop issuing new drilling permits.

"The details of the regulation for existing wells will be critical for the more than 2 million Californians who live within half a mile of drilling sites.

"It is important that the voices of environmental justice communities and public health experts are heard during the public comment period and their input is taken into account when drafting the final regulation."

Congresswoman Barragán is a long-time advocate for buffers between the public and fossil fuel production sites. In August, she brought U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan to the Wilmington Boys and Girls Club to highlight the dangers of oil wells in a residential neighborhood. It is the same site where Governor Gavin Newsom spoke today.

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