Los Angeles City Council Votes 13-0 to Ban Oil Drilling Citywide: No New Wells, Existing Wells Phased Out Within 20 Years
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California: The Los Angeles City Council voted 13-0 on October 28 to ban oil drilling citywide, the final vote needed to pass the ban. The ordinance prohibits new oil and gas wells anywhere in the city, classifies existing operations as nonconforming uses in every zone that may not be expanded or intensified, and requires all existing operations to cease within 20 years. The measure now goes to the mayor for signature.
On the morning of the vote, dozens of demonstrators rallied outside City Hall holding signs reading "Clean air & health over big oil wealth" and "Together we can stop the climate emergency." Ashley Hernandez, a community organizer and Wilmington resident, said it means residents can hope to inherit a safer, healthier Los Angeles, for themselves and for generations to come.
The push to enact the ordinance began over a decade ago, and for community residents and environmental advocates the result was a long time coming. Los Angeles, the nation’s second-largest city, has oil and gas operations in downtown, West Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and Wilmington, close to homes and schools. Once signed, the ordinance will gradually reshape land use and neighborhood environments across those areas over the next 20 years.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 资料图：洛杉矶市政厅（固定图库 cities 包）
