Gov. Newsom Enacts Laws to Restrict Oil and Gas Operations in California

New legislation aims to curb pollution, empower local authorities, and address idle wells, amidst ongoing clashes with the oil industry.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed multiple laws to reduce oil and gas pollution and empower local governments to block new drilling projects.
The new laws include fines for low-producing wells and mandates for sealing idle wells, particularly targeting the Inglewood Oil Field near Los Angeles.
Environmental groups support the legislation, citing long-term health benefits and reduced pollution for nearby communities.
The oil industry criticizes the laws, arguing they will increase costs, reduce jobs, and make California more dependent on imported oil.
Newsom continues to push for California's transition to clean energy, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2045 and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.