Oil companies with operations in the city of Los Angeles are suing over an ordinance that seeks to phase out drilling within city limits due to public health and environmental concerns.
“An oil company with a drilling operation in Wilmington filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the city of Los Angeles over a sweeping new law that will phase out oil production,” reports Dakota Smith in the Los Angeles Times.
“The city’s ban will lead to more oil imports, causing increased emissions from trucks and oil tankers that arrive to the L.A. area, according to the lawsuit. “The lawsuit contends the city’s actions are a violation of the California Environmental Quality Act, the city’s General Plan and the state and federal constitutions. The suit also questions the city’s analysis of the health impacts of conducting plugging and abandonment operations.” The company claims that “its operations are ‘100% electric’ and the emissions ‘are the equivalent of a physically much smaller fast-food restaurant with a drive thru.’”
A separate lawsuit alleging similar claims was filed by four other oil entities, Smith notes.
Environmental justice advocates praised the city’s plan to phase out oil production, citing evidence that oil operations near residential areas can cause cancer, asthma, and other health problems. The ordinance was adopted unanimously by the city council last month.
FULL STORY: Oil companies sue L.A. over ban on drilling
Los Angeles To Phase Out Oil Drilling
The city has banned new wells and will end all extraction within two decades.
A New Vision for a South LA Oil Drilling Site
A local land trust wants to transform the defunct drilling site with a park, community center, and housing.
In Historic Move, L.A. County to Phase Out Oil Wells
The long history of oil extraction in the nation's most populous county is entering its final chapter.
2024: The Year in Zoning
Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns
City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.
After the Fires: Challenges and Efforts to Heal LA’s Parks and Trails
The recent LA wildfires have devastated parks and trails, with recovery efforts requiring extended closures, collaborative restoration plans, and community support to address extensive damage and long-term risks like landslides.
DC Launches New Round of E-Bike Rebates
District residents can apply for a subsidy of up to $1,500 to purchase e-bikes.
Why Aren’t There More Bollards in US Cities?
Solid barriers, like the dormant ones in New Orleans, are commonly used to improve road safety in Europe. Why not here?
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland