Ask your Senator to protect the health of communities near oil/gas wells

Members of the California State Senate

Recent studies show that living within a mile of oil or gas operations is a risk factor for premature birth, which is the leading cause of infant mortality in the U.S.  In California, about 2.1 million people live within a mile of an active well—and millions more live near abandoned wells. Babies born to mothers who are Black, Hispanic, or are not high school graduates are most at risk in these locations.

AB 345 (Muratsuchi) addresses this problem, as well as the other hazards of living near oil or gas wells, by requiring state Resources Agency to institute an environmental justice program; and compelling the California Geologic Energy Management Division to adopt regulations that will protect public health and safety near oil and gas wells, including considerations of buffer zones between drilling operations and sensitive sites including homes, schools, parks, and health facilities.

The bill has passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate, where it will be heard in the Natural Resources and Water Committee later this month. Please sign now and use the links in the thank you message to share the petition with friends and neighbors!

Click at right to support this essential legislation for California—and feel free to add your own message, letting your Senator know why this issue is important to you!


Sponsored by

To: Members of the California State Senate
From: [Your Name]

I urge you to support AB 345, Assembly member Al Muratsuchi's essential bill that will require the state to protect public health, and especially children, from the hazards associated with oil and gas operations. Passage of this bill is very important to your constituents! I support a 2500-ft. buffer zone between oil and gas operations and sensitive sites, especially places where children live, learn, or play.