Los Angeles approves 20-year oil drilling phaseout

Los Angeles City Council oil drilling ban fossil fuel phaseout environmental justice Karen Bass

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve an ordinance that will phase out oil and gas drilling within city limits over the next 20 years. The measure, which now awaits the signature of Mayor Karen Bass, declares existing oil and gas activities as “nonconforming use,” meaning they can no longer be expanded, re-drilled, or deepened.

The plan targets approximately 600 active wells and 1,200 idle wells. Proponents, including environmental justice coalitions like STAND-LA, argue the move is necessary to protect public health and achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, noting that many residents live near wells, schools, and hospitals.

Oil industry representatives, including the California Independent Petroleum Association and E&B Natural Resources Management Corporation, have warned of significant consequences. They argue the restrictions could violate constitutional property rights, trigger expensive litigation, and increase dependence on foreign oil. Industry advocates also cautioned that the phaseout could lead to higher gas prices and job losses.

Entities

California Independent Petroleum Association · Karen Bass · Los Angeles · Los Angeles City Council · STAND-LA

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The plan aims to phase out production over the next 20 years. elnuevodiario.com.do · observador.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The ordinance affects approximately 600 active wells and 1,200 inactive wells. elnuevodiario.com.do · observador.pt
[● 3 SOURCES] The city aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. elnuevodiario.com.do · observador.pt
[● 3 SOURCES] The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to prohibit oil and gas drilling. elnuevodiario.com.do · observador.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The ordinance makes existing extraction activities a non-conforming use in all zones. elnuevodiario.com.do · observador.pt
[● 3 SOURCES] The measure is subject to final approval by Mayor Karen Bass. elnuevodiario.com.do · observador.pt