Taking a Stand Against Big Oil
Learn more & join us in our fight against Big Oil’s plans to overturn Sentate Bill 1137
Breaking News: Big Win for California!
On June 27th, 2024, Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California announced that Big Oil has officially withdrawn it’s initiative to overturn SB 1137, and the proposed California Oil and Gas Well Regulations Referendum will no longer be on the November 2024 ballot.
“Big Oil spent tens of millions of dollars trying to fool voters, using the profits made at the expense of community health, but it was no match for the groundswell of people power and community support we were able to unite all across California.”
This is a huge win, especially for the 1.1 million Californians who live within 3,200 feet of a working oil or gas well, largely in Kern and Los Angeles Counties. As we celebrate this big win, we thank you for your commitment to environmental health and health equity by stepping up to advocate for each other and our communities. Whether you signed on as a public health practitioner to articulate the impacts of oil and gas operations on community health, recruited students for our storytelling videos, joined us for action group meetings, or participated in this movement in any other way- your advocacy made a difference!
We know the work doesn’t stop here. We hope you join us in celebrating this victory and keeping in touch as things develop. By staying connected and continuing to monitor, we’re prepared to advance health equity by catalyzing our collective impact – even in the face of threats to our current and future successes. The Alliance team looks forward to working with each of you to continue your important work as part of our collective efforts.
More About Senate Bill 1137
Senate Bill 1137
Makes existing oil and gas wells safer and prohibits new wells within 3,200 feet of communities.
Background & History
California is one of the top oil producing states in the U.S., and approximately 1.1 million Californians live within 3,200-feet (1 km) of operational oil or gas wells. Drilling and operating wells pollutes air and water, resulting in poorer health for people who live nearby. Epidemiological studies have found that living near oil and gas wells is linked to higher risks of heart attacks, impaired lung function, and childhood leukemia. After reviewing the body of public health studies on oil and gas development, a panel of public health experts concluded with a high level of certainty that living near wells leads to higher risk of preterm birth or impaired fetal growth.
To address these urgent public health concerns, in September 2022 Governor Newsom signed SB 1137 into law, creating an evidence-based 3,200 foot buffer zone or “setback” between new drilling and sensitive receptors including residences, schools, childcare centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and playgrounds.
Despite the body of evidence showing that drilling and operating wells in residential areas is a public health threat, fossil fuel companies have supported a referendum seeking to overturn SB 1137. After spending more than $20 million on a petition drive, the setback implementation was halted, and SB 1137 qualified to appear before voters on the 2024 ballot.
In November 2024, voters will have the opportunity to vote to keep or repeal SB 1137. A vote to keep SB 1137 would result in measurable improvements in environmental quality and public health, including in some of the states’ most polluted neighborhoods. A vote to repeal would allow the fossil fuel industry to continue to operate hazardous oil and gas facilities next to homes, schools, and hospitals.
A vote to “keep the law” is to uphold the contested legislation, SB 1137, which would prohibit new oil and gas wells within 3,200 ft of sensitive receptors and require companies to adopt health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Take Action!
You have the unique opportunity to use your voice and your vote to stand up to fossil fuel companies and help protect the health and safety of Californians statewide.
Click here to join the coalition and support the campaign for a Safe and Healthy California. Endorsing the campaign is one of the top actions you can take at this stage in the campaign.
Support the campaign and join the fight against Big Oil now!
Your Voice Matters!
Thank you to everyone who allowed us to share their stories and experiences!