More Action Needed on Oil and Gas in California

Sacramento - Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced several new oil and gas policies. Specifically, he declared a moratorium on high pressure steam injection, a rule making process related to health impacts in communities living near oil and gas facilities, and a third party review of fracking permits. Independently he also wrote to the California Public Utilities Commission regarding Aliso Canyon. Food & Water Action sent out a separate statement on that today.    

Earlier this year, Food & Water Watch released a report on oil and gas development in California. The report documented, among other things, an increase in drilling permits since Governor Newsom took office, continued contamination of aquifers by oil operations, and the use of oil wastewater in crop irrigation.  

In response to Governor Newsom’s announcement, Food & Water Action California State Director Alexandra Nagy issued the following statement: 

“While we are encouraged by the moratorium on cyclic steam, which is needed, much more should be done to address oil and gas issues in California. Since Governor Newsom took office, thousands of new drilling permits have been issued. The small steps announced today are in the right direction, but if we are really going to address fossil fuel-driven climate and health crises, much more is needed. We urge Governor Newsom to immediately institute a complete ban on fracking, stop issuing new drilling permits — which have been increasing under his administration — and use his executive authority to protect communities across the state now.”

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