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New Oil and Gas Wells Setback Requirements Press Conference

Asm. Muratsuchi listening to Gov. Newsom's speech
Gov. Newsom in conversation with woman
Gov. Newsom listening to Asm. Muratsuchi's speech
Asm. Muratsuchi at podium, speaking
Asm. Muratsuchi speaking with scientist

Today I participated in a press conference with California Governor announcing new oil and gas wells setback requirements for California. These requirements include a statewide 3,200-foot buffer zone to separate homes, schools, hospitals and other populated areas from new oil and gas wells as well as strengthened emission controls on existing wells.

Neighborhood oils drilling needs to stop. In 2019, I introduced AB 345 which would have established a 2500 foot buffer zone for oil and gas wells from homes, schools, playgrounds and other neighborhood areas. But it failed in the face of opposition from the oil industry and the building and construction unions.

I thank Governor Newsom for this historic announcement. But the fight isn't over. We need to continue to fight to protect all Californians from the health hazards from oil well pollutants, which includes asthma, cancers and others diseases.