Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California Announces Endorsement from the American Lung Association Supporting Referendum to KEEP THE LAW Protecting Neighborhoods from Toxic Drilling
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California announced an endorsement from the American Lung Association, as supporters continue to grow for the referendum campaign that will “uphold” historic law (SB1137) preventing toxic oil drilling near schools, hospitals and neighborhoods.
The American Lung Association’s mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy, and research. Toxic oil drilling in communities increases air pollution exposure and jeopardizes public health.
"All Californians are at risk with poor air quality, but especially the nearly three million residents living near oil and gas wells who face heightened exposure to toxic pollution. Establishing a safety barrier between people and oil wells is crucial for community health and safety,” says Mariela Ruacho Barrett, Senior Advocacy Manager at the American Lung Association. “The American Lung Association endorses this campaign to KEEP THE LAW to establish a safety barrier between people and oil wells and ensure proper clean up, recognizing its vital role in safeguarding respiratory health and preventing the devastating health impacts of toxic oil drilling.”
Nearly 30,000 oil and gas wells in California sit within 3,200 feet of homes, schools, hospitals and other public areas, exposing nearly 3 million people, disproportionately communities of color, to emissions that can cause birth defects, respiratory illnesses and cancer. An independent scientific advisory panel in 2021 advised California officials that a 3,200-foot setback between oil wells and sensitive receptors is the minimum distance to protect public health.
Big Oil has been working to repeal a law (SB 1137) that would make existing oil and gas wells safer by meeting tighter health and environmental requirements within 3,200 feet of neighborhoods, schools, daycare centers and healthcare facilities, and keeping new wells from being built in these areas. To try and overturn this public safety law, oil companies have placed a deceptive measure on the November 2024 ballot.
“KEEP THE LAW” Campaign endorsers include public health groups, community and faith organizations, and environmental justice leaders from across California, working to hold oil companies accountable for creating a public health crisis, especially for communities of color.
Press Contact:Robin Swanson, robin@swansoncomm.net