Call on Governor Newsom to protect frontline communities, and make California truly independent of fossil fuels
What: Rally and Paddle Out for Climate Justice
When: Thursday, June 29th at NOON
Where: West Beach (located between Stearns Wharf and the Harbor)
Governor Newsom is listening to you, so let’s keep the momentum going!
Last Chance Alliance, a California group with over 900 climate organization members, is sponsoring actions around the state, and our action is one of them!
So far in 2023, the Newsom administration has permitted just one new oil well, BUT his state regulators have approved over 1000 permits to re-drill and modify existing oil wells. More than half of those wells are within the 3200 setback zone that is crucial for protecting frontline communities’ health. People who live, work, or go to school close to wells are more likely to develop cancer and respiratory problems, as well as experience pre-term births.
Additionally, after environmental regulators discovered 27 wells leaking methane in a Kern County community last month, we are calling on the Governor to direct state regulators to test all idle wells, and repair them immediately. That step is just a down payment towards eventually forcing oil companies to plug the tens of thousands of idle wells across the state.
With Independence Day around the corner, we recognize that many communities in this country and in our state continue to be marginalized, and to bear the brunt of our dependence on fossil fuel. And with the effects of climate change becoming dire, all of us, but especially disadvantaged groups, are oppressed by the fossil fuel industry’s power.
