The signed legislation grants local communities more authority to restrict oil and gas operations near sensitive areas and address the environmental risks of idle wells, while also ensuring the permanent shutdown of low-production wells.
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed three new laws aimed at restricting oil and gas operations near schools, daycares, and residential communities. These laws grant local governments the authority to limit or ban oil and gas activities within their jurisdictions, empowering cities and counties to protect vulnerable populations from the harmful effects of industrial operations. This legislation also addresses previous legal challenges that had blocked local ordinances, allowing communities to move forward with stronger protections.
In addition to granting local control, the new laws tackle the environmental risks posed by idle oil and gas wells. These wells, often left unattended and unsealed, present a danger to surrounding neighborhoods. The legislation increases fees on idle wells and requires oil companies to decommission them more quickly, preventing potential leaks and contamination. This proactive approach is intended to hold oil companies accountable for the maintenance and safe closure of wells across the state.
One of the laws specifically targets the Inglewood Oil Field, California’s largest urban oil field, where low-production wells will now be shut down permanently. Companies operating these wells will face monthly fines until the wells are plugged and abandoned, with the penalty funds allocated to community improvement projects like parks. These laws are part of California’s broader strategy to reduce pollution and safeguard public health, while holding the oil industry accountable for its impact on local communities.
Addressing Orphan Wells for Environmental Justice
Remediating and repurposing some orphan oil and gas wells into parks can turn environmental hazards into community assets, promoting health, environmental justice, and accessible green space for underserved areas.
Mapping Groundwater Risks from Orphan Wells Across U.S. Aquifers
A new USGS study reveals that more than half of the nation’s documented orphan wells lie within aquifers supplying the vast majority of U.S. groundwater, posing widespread risks of contamination from aging, unplugged infrastructure.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)