Two California state senators have introduced a bill that would ban fracking in the state in 2027, according to a statement issued Wednesday.
The bill, from Democratic State Sens. Scott Wiener Monique Limón would also halt the issuance or renewal of permits for fracking at the start of 2022.
It would also prohibit the issuance of new or renewed permits for oil and gas extraction more generally within 2,500 feet of homes, schools, healthcare facilities, prisons and dormitories by the start of 2022.
Fracking is a controversial method of extracting fossil fuels from rocks that has been linked to water contamination.
“Extracting massive amounts of oil — particularly with destructive techniques such as fracking — is totally inconsistent with California’s commitment to a sustainable climate future,” Wiener said in a statement.
The bill would also direct the California Geologic Energy Management Division to identify oil and gas workers who have lost their jobs and prioritize hiring them.
In the general election, then-President Trump
Donald TrumpBiden: ‘I’m tired of talking about Trump’ Hacker claims to have stolen files from law firm tied to Trump: WSJ Texas governor faces criticism over handling of winter storm fallout MORE sought to make fracking a campaign issue by casting then-candidate Joe Biden
Joe BidenBiden balks at K student loan forgiveness plan Biden offers to help woman in obtaining vaccine for son with preexisting condition Biden optimistic US will be in ‘very different circumstance’ with pandemic by Christmas MORE as an opponent of the practice, but Biden stressed that he did not support a fracking ban.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gavin NewsomCalifornia coronavirus hospitalizations dropping, death rate holds steady Caitlyn Jenner rules out gubernatorial run in California Kevin McCarthy defends son’s wedding amid COVID-19 surge in California MORE (D), by contrast, appears to want to phase out the practice in his state. Last year, in an executive order aiming to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars, Newsom also said he wanted to end the issuance of new fracking permits by 2024.
However, the new bill goes faster and farther than what the governor called for.
Meanwhile, industry criticized the legislation.
Rock Zierman, chief executive officer of the California Independent Petroleum Association, told the Palm Springs Desert Sun that the legislation would “make the Saudi royal family even richer all while eliminating the industry that is investing in the innovation needed to significantly reduce the state’s carbon footprint.”
