Trump Administration Sues California to Allow Oil Wells Near Schools and Hospitals | KQED

"An oil pumpjack stands idle near homes as people walk with dogs on Feb. 9, 2023 in Signal Hill, California. California law S.B. 1137, which required a safety buffer zone of 3,200 feet around homes and schools for new oil and gas drilling, was suspended after the petroleum industry collected enough signatures in a petition campaign to place a referendum on the 2024 general election ballot. The bill was originally signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom and also banned new drilling near parks, health care facilities, prisons and businesses open to the public."

"The Trump administration is suing California over a law that prevents oil and gas drilling within 3,200 feet of homes, hospitals and schools - the latest in the power struggle between the state and federal government over energy rights. The guidelines were developed based on recommendations from a 15-person expert panel to effectively protect residents from harmful emissions. About 8% of California's population lives within this distance to an oil or gas well. Low-income people are disproportionately affected by resulting health risks."

"In April, Trump directed the Justice Department to target state laws that banned or limited the production of energy, "particularly oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, critical mineral, and nuclear energy resources". Trump has claimed that increasing the use of these resources domestically will make energy more affordable, and has said his administration is committed to "unleashing American energy.""

S.B. 1137 required a 3,200-foot safety buffer that would block new oil and gas drilling near homes, schools, hospitals, parks, health care facilities, prisons, and many public businesses. The law was suspended after the petroleum industry gathered enough petition signatures to place a referendum on the 2024 ballot. The guidelines implementing the buffer drew on recommendations from a 15-person expert panel aimed at reducing harmful emissions. Roughly 8% of Californians live within 3,200 feet of a well, with low-income communities facing disproportionate health risks. The federal government, citing a broader energy policy directive, has initiated a lawsuit challenging the state restriction.

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