Oil industry drops effort to revoke California's neighborhood drilling law

The oil industry has withdrawn its $40 million campaign against a California law designed to protect communities from oil drilling but may still challenge it in court. Senate Bill 1137, signed in 2022, prohibits new oil wells within 3,200 feet of sensitive sites like homes and schools and increases oversight of existing wells. Studies show that Black, Latino, and low-income Californians are most likely to live near oil and gas wells.

Despite spending over $60 million on lobbying and campaigning to overturn the law, the oil industry faced strong community opposition and withdrew their referendum efforts. However, grassroots activists and legislators remain cautious, anticipating potential legal challenges based on alleged violations of private property laws.

Neighborhood oil drilling exposes residents, particularly in low-income and minority communities, to harmful chemicals associated with cancer and respiratory issues. This law aims to create safer distances between drilling sites and residential areas, schools, and other sensitive locations, reducing health risks for many Californians.