A new law strengthens local governments’ ability to regulate and limit fossil fuel production in their jurisdictions.
In the wake of a court ruling that invalidated a Los Angeles law that would have phased out oil production in the city, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a trio of state laws that clarify local governments’ ability to regulate and prohibit oil extraction. The law, AB3233, “the law acknowledges the traditional role of local governments in exercising land use controls to protect the public health and safety of their residents.”
According to an article by Julia Smith on Legal Planet, “The other two laws in this package will have important effects as well, most especially for disadvantaged communities that are overburdened by pollution from oil and gas production activities.”
Assembly Bill 1866 increases fees on idle wells — uncapped wells that are not producing oil or gas but emit harmful pollutants into the surrounding air and soil — and calls on producers to cap these wells. AB 2716 requires the operator of the Inglewood Oil Field, California’s largest urban oilfield, to identify and cap low-producing wells by 2026 and shut down the entire field by 2030.
FULL STORY: New Law Reaffirms Local Authority to Ban Oil Drilling
Trump Attacks Environmental Rules Amid Flurry of Executive Orders
Several executive orders signed on Monday seek to repeal Obama- and Biden-era environmental regulations and roll back goals to encourage the shift to electric vehicles.
Judge Sides With Oil Companies Over LA Drilling Ban
The decision invalidates a law that would have eliminated oil drilling in the city over the next 20 years. A proposed state law could still let cities regulate extraction.
Texas Earthquakes Linked to Fracking
A new study reveals earthquakes that began at shallower depths than previously thought are associated with wastewater disposal sites from fracking operations.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is 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.
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)