ENCINITAS — The City Council voted last week to support a youth-led campaign to uphold a law that aims to limit or halt gas and oil wells and drilling operations near community areas throughout California.
According to a city statement, oil companies and other corporate interests have financed a $20 million campaign to overturn the law. The oil industry gathered 623,000 signatures to qualify for a referendum on the November 2024 ballot, offering voters a chance to either preserve or repeal the legislation.
Senate Bill 1137, signed by Gov. Newsom in 2022, prohibits the issuance of well permits and the construction and operation of new production facilities within 3,200 feet of a health protection zone, which includes homes, schools, daycare centers, parks, healthcare facilities and businesses.
Councilmember Kellie Hinze initiated the resolution in opposition to the referendum, with support from North County high school students who brought the issue forward as part of the Youth Vs. Oil campaign.
“We must send a clear message to Big Oil that Encinitas residents support the right of all California communities to a safe and healthy environment, free of toxic pollution produced by the oil industry,” said Canyon Crest Academy senior Isabel White.
In return, the council has endorsed the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California, “joining public health leaders, environmental justice groups, community and faith leaders and youth to stand up to Big Oil and make sure that no Californians have to endure health hazards from living just steps away from dangerous oil wells,” city officials said.
“Research shows that living within half a mile of an oil well increases the risk of asthma, high-risk pregnancies, respiratory illnesses and cancer,” the city said.
According to city officials, communities of color are suffering from neighborhood drilling, which exposes nearly 3 million Californians to the most toxic emissions.
“The city of Encinitas has an opportunity to be a leader, to take a stand against Big Oil’s referendum and to pass Youth vs. Oil’s resolution,” said Alby Quinlan, an Encinitas resident and retired nurse. “Encinitas can say ‘yes’ to clean air and healthy children and be a leader in moving California to make a sane and safe choice to continue supporting SB 1137.”
The official ballot title is “Referendum Challenging 2022 Law, Prohibiting New Oil and Gas Wells Near Homes, Schools and Hospitals.“
