Holding Big Oil Accountable for Orphaned Wells

Dear Neighbor,

Oil companies have been taking advantage of a model that puts profit over people when they abandon oil wells before cleaning them up, thereby leaving them “orphaned.” These wells pose serious threats to public health, safety, and the environment. They can leak oil, gas, and other contaminants into the air, water, and soil.

In our district alone, alongside Echo Park, Dodger Stadium and surrounding communities, once known as the "Los Angeles City Oil Field," there are close to 200-orphaned oil wells that continue to harm the health, wellbeing and safety of residents.

Enough is enough. Despite heavy opposition from the oil industry, I am proud to share that my policy, AB 1167, The Orphan Well Prevention Act, heads to the Governor’s desk. This bill helps stop the proliferation of orphan wells in our communities, protects taxpayers from footing the bill and ensures oil producers are financially responsible for the cleanup and capping of oil wells they profit from.

An Editorial from the Los Angeles Times in June highlighted the problem, and identified this bill as part of the solution. A big thank you to Los Angeles Councilwoman Heather Hutt for leading the Los Angeles City Council in passing a motion in support and joining a broad coalition of environmental advocates.

Now, it is up to the Governor to sign it. You can reach his office and let him know how important this environmental policy is by calling: (916) 445-2841 or contacting his office here.

Your support is invaluable. Let your voice be heard!

To see a list of the policies headed to the Governor’s desk for signature, follow my office on Instagram!

Yours in Service,

WENDY CARRILLO
Assemblywoman, District 52
Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee No.4 on State Administration
Chair, Select Committee on Latina Inequities
Vice Chair, Legislative Progressive Caucus

PS: If you have any questions about our legislative work, please visit my contact page, here.