LA pushes oil drilling shutdown despite industry warnings of lawsuits, gas price hikes
Los Angeles is pushing ahead with a sweeping 20-year shutdown of oil drilling across the city after the Council voted 13-0 Wednesday, despite warnings from oil companies of costly lawsuits, property rights violations and increased dependence on foreign oil.The vote marks another chapter in a nearly decade-long battle over drilling in Los Angeles, where more than 5,200 oil and gas wells, including active, idle and abandoned sites, have fueled concerns about pollution near homes and schools.E&B Natural Resources Management Corporation and three affiliated companies filed objections saying that the restrictions could force wells to close before the 20-year deadline by limiting maintenance and other operations.In a June 8 letter, attorneys representing the companies warned that the proposal could violate constitutional property protections and expose taxpayers to expensive litigation.The California Independent Petroleum Association also blasted the measure, warning that shutting down local production would increase dependence on imported oil and threaten investments made under existing permits.“Why the LA City Council would want Angelenos to be more dependent on foreign oil tankers is nuts.Having to pay $1.72 more than any other state is not high enough? Imports are completely exempt from California’s environmental, labor, and human rights laws, California Independent Petroleum Association CEO Rock Zierman told the California Post.“This will lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions, higher gas prices, fewer jobs, and fewer taxes for vital services … We will fight this illegal action in court again, Zierman added.“Studies have shown there are much higher emissions from city run landfills and water treatment facilities than oil and gas operations.”Los Angeles approved its original drilling ban in December 2022, only to face lawsuits from oil companies.
A judge struck down the ordinance in September 2024, forcing the city to repeal it in 2025.But state la...