Senators Wiener and Limón's Statement on Governor Newsom's Fracking Ban and Oil Production Announcement

SAN FRANCISCO - Senators Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that he would end fracking in California by 2025, and direct the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to “analyze pathways to phase out oil extraction across the state by no later than 2045.” Their statement: 

“We’re thankful the Governor is acting to end fracking in California by 2025 and to plan for the end of all oil production by 2045. While we believe an earlier end date is appropriate, at least having a set end date will trigger the long overdue conversation about what a transition away from oil looks like. To date, political paralysis has prevented that conversation from happening. We hope the Governor’s action today breaks that political logjam. Legislative action likely will still be needed, and we’re ready to move that legislation.

“Moreover, 2045 is 24 years away, and in the meantime, we need to protect the health of our communities by banning oil extraction close to people’s homes and our kids’ schools. We need to promptly mandate 2,500 buffer zones around homes, schools, and other sensitive areas.

“Fracking and other extreme oil extraction practices — particularly cyclic steam and steam and water flooding — are harming our communities and undermining meaningful climate action. These are the dominant forms of extraction in California. Our frontline communities are paying the price every day for our addiction to oil. It’s time for California to lead decisively in the movement for 100% clean energy. Today’s move is a solid step in that direction.”