Assemblyman Responds to California Oil Drilling Ban Proposal

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s oil regulator wants to ban new oil and gas drilling within 3,200 feet of schools, homes and hospitals to protect public health. The draft rule released Thursday would be the nation’s largest buffer zone between drilling and community sites if adopted.

Environmental groups and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration say it’s necessary to protect public health and safety. The oil industry says it will diminish reliable energy and raise prices.

The proposal is part of Newsom’s effort to end oil and gas extraction in the state by 2045. Existing wells in those zones would be subject to stricter regulations

 Kern County’s Assemblyman Vince Fong, issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s announcement that curtails vital in-state energy production:

“At a time when Californians need affordable and reliable energy, the Governor is once again choosing to increase energy costs, reduce needed energy production, and puts jobs and careers at risk in Kern County and throughout the state.

“We should be encouraging more energy production for Californians, in California, and by Californians; this regulatory action does the exact opposite.

“These regulations are not supported by data, and will only force California to be more reliant on foreign countries – many with questionable environmental and human rights records.

“The average price of a gallon of gas in California is $4.53 – more than a dollar increase from a year ago. Rising gasoline and energy costs will further deepen the financial burdens of hard working families while their jobs continue to be erased by this Administration.

“Proposing a new regulation, without the voice of energy experts, makes little sense, further proving that the only voices he values are the ones that agree with him.”