BIPOC + Local Ban on Oil Drilling

What is happening? Los Angeles City Council approved a measure that will:

• prohibit oil and gas drilling in Los Angeles
• change zoning laws to make drilling illegal
• study how to legally phase out existing wells
• create a jobs program to transition oil and gas workers to other industries

Why is this important? “For far too long, neighborhood oil drilling has disproportionately affected the health of our low-income communities of color,” said council president Nury Martinez at a news conference ahead of the vote. 

How will this be important?  California Independent Petroleum Association referred to it as an unconstitutional taking of their property without compensation.

KXAN (Austin, TX) | Los Angeles City Council approves phaseout of oil drilling