For immediate release
Contact: Dave Perera
(202) 770-7899
dave.perera@mail.house.gov
Rep. Barragán introduces the No Drilling in Our Backyards Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro) last week introduced the No Drilling in Our Backyards Act of 2017. This act would ensure that oil and gas drilling everywhere inside the United States occurs at least 1,500 feet away from homes, businesses, schools, and other protected areas.
The bill is endorsed by: the Sierra Club, Green for All, the California League of Conservation Voters, and Food & Water Watch.
“Urban oil and gas drilling does not belong in our neighborhoods—oil wells next to homes are causing a public health crisis in our communities,” said Congresswoman Barragán.
“In my district, CA-44, oil wells are in our backyards and next to parks where children play. They are breathing in the pollution from oil drilling operations and suffering the health impacts such as asthma and respiratory problems.”
“No community should be forced to live with the daily threat of pollution from oil and gas operations in their neighborhoods,” said Lena Moffit, Senior Director of the Sierra Club’s Our Wild America Campaign.
“It’s time our government took steps to ensure that Americans’ public health is prioritized over fossil fuel industry profits, and that the places our families live, work, and go to school are safe from toxic air pollution,” she added.
BACKGROUND:
Los Angeles is home to the largest and most densely populated urban oil field in the nation. Setbacks for oil and gas drilling operations between residential neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and other protected areas lower the public health and safety threat posed by urban drilling.
In Dallas, Texas, where drilling is prevalent, a 1,500-foot setback is already a requirement for new oil wells. Similar setbacks have been introduced in Pennsylvania and Colorado, highlighting a growing recognition of their importance.
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is the chair of two environmental caucuses in Congress and co-chairs the United for Climate and Environmental Taskforce. She is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington.