oil industry
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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.
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:
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Oil industry drops effort to repeal California's neighborhood drilling law
The oil industry has withdrawn its $40 million campaign against a California law protecting communities from oil drilling, but may challenge the measure in court.
In short:
- California’s Senate Bill 1137, signed in 2022, bans new oil wells within 3,200 feet of sensitive sites like homes and schools and tightens oversight of existing wells.
- Research has shown that Black and Latino and low-income Californians are most likely to be living near oil and gas wells.
- The oil industry spent over $60 million on lobbying and campaigning to overturn the law, but withdrew their referendum efforts after facing strong opposition from communities.
- Grassroots activists and legislators remain vigilant as the oil industry might pursue legal challenges against the law, arguing violations of private property laws.
Key quote:
“I think the fossil fuel industry saw that power, the power of that organizing and that momentum. And I think they knew it was a losing battle.”
— Luis Martinez, campaigns organizer with the nonprofit Fossil Free California.
Why this matters:
Neighborhood oil drilling exposes residents, especially in low-income and minority communities, to harmful chemicals linked to cancer and respiratory issues. This law, a cornerstone of California's aggressive environmental policies, seeks to create safer distances between oil drilling sites and residential areas, schools and other sensitive locations. For many Californians, especially those in lower-income and predominantly minority neighborhoods, this is a long-awaited step towards reducing health risks such as respiratory problems and other pollution-related ailments.
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$1 billion: Trump's aggressive campaign for oil industry funds revealed
Donald Trump's recent engagement with top oil executives at Mar-a-Lago showcases a bid for campaign funding in exchange for regulatory rollbacks.
Josh Dawsey and Maxine Joselow report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Trump promised oil industry leaders substantial regulatory rollbacks in exchange for significant campaign contributions.
- This fundraising strategy highlights a direct linkage between financial support and policy promises aimed at benefiting the oil industry.
- The former president's agenda starkly contrasts with existing environmental policies, suggesting major policy reversals if re-elected.
Key quote:
"You all are wealthy enough, you should raise $1 billion to return me to the White House."
— Donald Trump, former U.S. president
Why this matters:
If he's elected in November, Trump's promises to the oil industry could result in the reversal of key U.S. environmental and health policies enacted during the Biden administration, potentially eroding gains in emissions reductions, clean energy advancements and environmental justice.
Flashback to 2020: Trump's first term resulted in significant environmental rollbacks. Here are a few of them.
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Washington's climate law faces repeal challenge despite oil industry's support
Washington state's cap-and-trade program, backed by major oil companies, is now threatened by a repeal initiative led by a hedge-fund manager.
In short:
- Washington's Climate Commitment Act, a cap-and-trade program, is under threat of repeal despite previous support from oil companies like BP.
- The program, which generated more than $2 billion for climate projects, faces opposition from Brian Heywood, who argues it contributes to high gas prices.
- Oil companies, while critical of certain aspects of the program, prefer to work with legislators for improvements rather than support its repeal.
Key quote:
"We have never been against the Climate Commitment Act."
— Kevin Slagle, vice president of communications, Western States Petroleum Association
Why this matters:
The potential repeal of Washington's climate law highlights the complex relationship between environmental legislation, the oil industry, and public perception. While oil companies show unexpected support for the cap-and-trade system, public opposition fueled by concerns over gas prices poses a significant challenge. This situation underscores the delicate balance needed in crafting effective climate policies that align industry interests with environmental goals.
Related: As Pennsylvania moves to join a regional greenhouse gas initiative, experts say it will also reduce toxics, foster healthier kids, and save the state billions. But GOP policymakers and industry groups remain opposed.
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Photo by Delfino Barboza on Unsplash
OneNexus sees future in 'life insurance' for aging oil wells
As the oil industry cleans up by slashing emissions, Tony Sanchez said it's time for it to tackle its orphan well problem.
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Photo by Tyler Palmer on Unsplash
Guyana Amerindian communities fear Venezuela’s move to annex oil
Amerindian communities in Guyana have raised concerns that Venezuela’s takeover may threaten decades-long battles for recognition of their customary lands and, in the process, endanger the region’s rich biodiversity.
Photo by Zbynek Burival on Unsplash
Lisa Patel: Our patients need us to stand up to Big Oil
It's time we took on Big Oil's campaigns of obstruction and misinformation that inflict health harms on all of us, but particularly on vulnerable and marginalized communities. Health professionals and health systems should speak out against fossil fuel industry efforts that place communities in harm's way.
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