The council voted 12-0 for an ordinance that will ban oil drilling in the city, phasing out new oil and gas extraction.
"We're sending a clear message to big oil: The city of Los Angeles will no longer tolerate oil and gas extraction," Councilman Mitch O'Farrell said last week. "Families, no matter where they live, deserve to breathe clean air, have safe neighborhoods and lead a healthy life free from the harmful impacts of dirty energy."Board of Supervisors approved a similar ordinance earlier in October.
Under a draft ordinance, operators would not be able to expand their existing sites or extend the life of a well during the 20-year phase-out period. Many community groups have lobbied Los Angeles to stop oil drilling, citing the harm it has on communities, which is disproportionately felt in working-class communities and communities of color. More than 500,000 Los Angeles County residents live within a half-mile of an active oil well.
"They have waited for generations for actions," Council President Paul Krekorian said at an energy committee meeting. "They have waited for something to be done by the city to relieve their health concerns." Krekorian responded to concerns over a potential loss of jobs and an increase in gas prices. He said less than 1% of crude oil processed in Southern California refineries actually comes from wells in Los Angeles, and the loss of oil drilling will not impact gas prices locally. On jobs, Krekorian said he believes the era of oil and gas is ending regardless.
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