Oil industry faces pressure as California activists push for 'polluter pays' bills

Activists rallied outside California's Capitol, urging legislators to pass bills that would hold oil companies accountable for environmental damage as the legislative session nears its end.

Liza Gross reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Three bills aim to strengthen local control over oil and gas operations, accelerate the decommissioning of idle wells, and impose penalties on low-producing wells.
Activists argue the bills are crucial for protecting vulnerable communities from pollution linked to fossil fuel extraction.
The oil industry is opposing the bills, citing concerns about increased reliance on foreign oil and potential job losses.

Key quote:

“We’re here today to push back against Big Oil’s influence in Sacramento. We’re here to show that the people have the power.”

— Woody Little, campaign lead at Last Chance Alliance

Why this matters:

These bills could help prevent further environmental harm in California communities already burdened by pollution. If passed, they may set a precedent for stricter oil industry regulations nationwide.

Be sure to read:

insideclimatenews.org

Oil industry faces pressure as California activists push for 'polluter pays' bills

Scientists link fossil fuel producers to the West’s worsening water shortages

Opinion: Believe what you are seeing and feeling — the climate is changing

Researchers may have solved wastewater's climate problem

A clean energy source is buried under the desert, but it takes water to use it

How Trump’s repeal of the greenhouse gas rule could increase emissions from Georgia

These US cities set records over the summer with more 100-degree days than ever before

‘World’s largest untapped energy source’: How waste heat could help Europe end its reliance on gas

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.