California creates nation’s strongest safety ‘buffer zones’ around oil drilling

California is the only state where new fracking rigs sit next door to daycare centers. But not for much longer.

On Oct. 21, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a plan to establish 3,200-foot health and safety buffer zones near all new oil and gas extraction sites. The plan would shield homes, schools, hospitals, daycare centers and nursing homes from the dangers of physically proximate drilling. Environment California applauds the measure but looks forward to the total end of oil and gas drilling in the Golden State, which is set to take place in 2045.

“From rising temperatures and wildfires to drought and poor air quality, it’s clear we need to phase out all oil and gas drilling for good,” said Environment California State Director Laura Deehan. “But with these new rules, California will have the strongest safety buffer zones in the country.” 

Environment California will continue working to advance the state’s clean energy goals and transition away from dirty fossil fuels. 

Read more about the buffer zones. 

Learn more about our Fossil Fuel Free campaign.