As the transition from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy continues, local and state policy are shining a light on the most important aspects – climate justice, equity, public health, and job creation. Here are just a few items that CIPL is active on:
- Senate Bill 467 (Wiener) that will halt the issuance or renewal of permits for hydraulic fracturing, acid well stimulation treatments, cyclic steaming, and water and steam flooding starting January 1, 2022. It will also restrict all new or modified permits for oil and gas production within 2,500 feet of residences, schools, health care facilities and other sensitive receptors by the same date. See SB 467 fact sheet here. The California Geologic Energy Management Division has been charged with studying the 2,500 foot setbacks and is expected to release a draft rule-making soon.
- AB 617 (C. Garcia), passed in 2017, which addresses air pollution impacts in environmental justice communities. It sets money aside for hard-hit communities to be designated as “Air Quality Communities” and implement air monitors and measures to reduce pollution and thus improve public health. CIPL attended hearings and gave public comment, along with numerous other organizations and residents supporting South L.A. be a designee of these funds. On February 25, the Air Resources Board voted that three California regions would receive by “Air Quality Communities” – South L.A., Richmond/San Pedro, and Arvin/Lamont. We will continue to work with South L.A. partners in the implementation of this program.
- Public comments and solidarity with multiple public health, equity, and climate just organizations against Kern County’s move to issue up to 40,000 new oil and gas permits. Despite opposition from all sectors, most notably public health advocates and residents citing multiple illnesses from living in close proximity to drilling, Kern County Board of Supervisors approved this ordinance. The County is now being sued by a group led by the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment citing extreme danger to public health.
Would you like to be involved with CIPL’s advocacy work? Contact Liore (No Cal) liore@interfaithpower.org, or Allis (So Cal) allis@interfaithpower.org