Wilmington, CA – California voters will face a critical decision on the November 5, 2024 ballot concerning the fate of Senate Bill 1137 (SB 1137), a law aimed at creating buffer zones between oil and gas extraction sites and sensitive areas, including residential neighborhoods, schools, and hospitals. The law, which originally passed but is now subject to a veto referendum due to significant opposition from the oil industry, seeks to establish a minimum 3,200-foot separation to protect public health.
SB 1137, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, has been a point of contention, sparking a robust debate on environmental health and economic implications. The legislation, intended to mitigate the health risks associated with proximity to oil and gas wells, such as respiratory issues and other serious health conditions, was paused following the successful petition for a referendum backed by the oil and gas industry.
The referendum, a process allowing voters to decide directly on the law, places the issue back into the hands of California residents, highlighting the state’s ongoing struggle to balance environmental protections with economic interests.
Communities for a Better Environment (CBE), a prominent environmental justice organization active in Wilmington and other California communities, has been at the forefront of advocating for such protective measures. The organization, known for its work in empowering pollution-affected communities, has emphasized the importance of SB 1137 in ensuring safer, healthier living conditions for residents in close proximity to oil and gas operations.
Opponents of SB 1137, including major oil corporations and some labor groups, argue that the law could have adverse economic impacts, including job losses and increased reliance on foreign oil. They have mobilized significant resources, contributing over $20 million to the referendum campaign, to persuade voters to overturn the legislation.
As the vote approaches, both sides are ramping up efforts to sway public opinion, with environmental groups underscoring the public health benefits of the law and industry advocates warning of potential economic fallout.
The outcome of the referendum will have lasting implications for environmental policy and energy production in California, a state at the forefront of the national conversation on balancing economic development with environmental and public health protections.