Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jane Fonda, and Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a campaign in Los Angeles to support a law banning new oil and gas wells near community sites to protect residents from pollution. The law has not yet taken effect due to a referendum by the oil industry to overturn it. Newsom emphasized the importance of keeping the law to advance the state’s climate goals, stating that “Big Oil is the polluting heart of this climate crisis.” The opposition from the California Independent Petroleum Association is based on concerns about the impact on the oil and gas industry, which generates significant tax revenue.
Newsom is also backing a lawsuit against oil and gas companies for deceiving the public about the risks of fossil fuels as part of his efforts to solidify California’s position as a climate leader and transition away from fossil-fuel powered vehicles. Last year, he signed a law inspired by the oil industry’s tactics to collect signatures for referendums, requiring top funders to be listed on voter information guides. The referendum will ask voters to “keep the law” or “overturn the law,” departing from the traditional “yes” or “no” format.
Legislators introduced a bill last year to make oil companies pay up to $1 million to individuals with health issues related to oil wells, but it was blocked by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Environmental activist Nalleli Cobo, who grew up near an oil well and suffered health problems, is advocating for keeping the law to limit the location of new oil and gas wells. She emphasized that the oil industry has no place in communities, democracy, or the future. Cobo’s personal experience highlights the harmful health impacts of living near oil wells and the importance of protecting residents from pollution.
The campaign in Los Angeles brought together prominent figures and activists to raise awareness about the need to support laws that prioritize public health and environmental protection over the interests of the oil and gas industry. The focus on keeping the law banning new wells near community sites is crucial for advancing California’s climate goals and reducing pollution in residential areas. The oil industry’s efforts to overturn the law through a referendum have sparked opposition and legal action, with Newsom leading the charge to hold oil and gas companies accountable for their deceptive practices.
The fight to maintain the law limiting the location of oil and gas wells reflects a broader push for environmental justice and public health advocacy in California. People like Nalleli Cobo, who have experienced firsthand the negative effects of living near oil wells, are at the forefront of the movement to protect communities from pollution and health hazards. The collaboration between government officials, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens highlights the collective effort to prioritize the well-being of residents and the planet in the face of powerful industry interests. As the campaign continues, the focus remains on promoting sustainable energy solutions and holding polluting industries accountable for their impact on public health and the environment.
