California Governor Signs Oil Regulation Bills

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of new laws aimed at reducing pollution from oil and gas operations, empowering local governments to regulate these activities more effectively. The legislation includes Assembly Bill 3233, which clarifies local authority to limit oil drilling, following a recent court ruling that favored state regulators over local measures. The laws also impose stricter penalties on companies operating idle and low-producing wells, with fines reaching $10,000 per month for non-compliance. Newsom emphasized the need to hold the oil industry accountable, labeling it the 'polluted heart of this climate crisis'. The new regulations are expected to significantly impact areas like the Inglewood Oil Field and improve health and safety for communities nearby. Newsom's actions are seen as a vital step in California's broader climate goals, aiming for a sustainable energy future.