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RECAP: AB 342, The Bill That Would Greatly Limit Oil And Gas Development In California

California has responded to Federal threats of increased oil and gas drilling by making it virtually impossible for any drilling to happen on or near protected lands by halting most pipeline leasing.

What is it?

Assembly Bill 342. Specifically designed to thwart plans by the Trump administration to increase oil and gas production on federal land, AB 342 will make it illegal for pipelines to cross over state land. As most federally protected areas, such as National Parks and Wilderness Areas, are adjacent to state owned land, drilling could not occur in most areas. Language in the bill also specifically mentions that no leasing authority can allow pipelines on any public land, even in tidelands and submerged lands.