Los Angeles approves ban on oil extraction to protect public health

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a measure to ban oil and gas drilling and extraction across all city zones. The decision follows more than a decade of community opposition regarding pollution risks and health hazards.

The city plans to phase out production over the next 20 years. This plan targets approximately 600 active oil wells and 1,200 inactive ones.

Officials stated that the measure aims to address historical injustices faced by communities exposed to safety risks near schools, hospitals, and residential areas. The move supports the county's goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2035. While a previous 2022 ban was overturned by a court in September 2024 due to jurisdictional issues, this new measure awaits final approval from Mayor Karen Bass.