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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Email: info [at] priceofoil.org

Oil Change International Response to California Statewide Oil and Gas Setback Announcement

WASHINGTON

Today, Governor Gavin Newsom of California announced a long-awaited draft health and safety rule recommending a mandated 3,200-foot distance between new oil and gas extraction sites and the homes, schools, and workplaces of California residents. The draft rule announced today would not ban wells already operating in that zone, but would add new pollution controls.

For years, groups with the VISION and Last Chance Alliance coalitions have been at the forefront of the movement to move California beyond fossil fuel, urging California's leaders to enact supply-side policy reforms to end oil and gas extraction. In response to today's setbacks announcement, Collin Rees, U.S. Campaigns Manager at Oil Change International, released the following statement:

"A 3,200-foot buffer around oil and gas extraction is a critical victory for communities living with drilling in their backyards who have been fighting for these protections for years. This rule should be implemented as quickly as possible, with absolutely no loopholes.

"But Governor Newsom must step up his game to meet the moment. There is *no* safe distance at which oil and gas drilling is acceptable for the climate. California must ban all new oil and gas permits, join the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance of states and nations committing to an end to extraction, and phase out existing drilling with a just transition."

Oil Change International is a research, communications, and advocacy organization focused on exposing the true costs of fossil fuels and facilitating the ongoing transition to clean energy.

(202) 518-9029