Last night Big Oil industry group California Independent Petroleum Association dropped a ballot measure challenge to California’s historic law that bans oil drilling within 3,200 feet of homes, schools and businesses. 

Food & Water Watch California Director Chirag Bhakta released the following statement:

“This proves once again that Californians do not want dangerous and polluting oil rigs in their backyards, near where their children go to school and play or near hospitals. We will not sacrifice our communities anymore. 

“This victory is due to the dedication of so many, and particularly frontline communities who are experiencing the brunt of the oil industry’s pollution and have been advocating for years to get dirty oil drilling out of their backyards.  

“Despite claims that they were “confident” that the ballot measure would pass, CIPA’s turning to the court system indicates that the industry is afraid of the power of a solid public mandate against oil drilling. What is clear is that we’ll be there to take them on in any forum. 

“While this is a moment to celebrate the power of people coming together to take on Big Oil, we must continue to get toxic oil drilling out of neighborhoods, as well as all fossil fuel infrastructure, which also poses a huge risk to public health and causes pollution to our water and air. For example, Governor Newsom must immediately shut down the dangerous Aliso Canyon gas storage facility which was the site of the biggest methane blowout in U.S. history almost a decade ago and is an ongoing threat to nearby residents.”