Los Angeles County Takes Oil Companies to Court Over Idle Wells
Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against four oil and gas companies, accusing them of failing to properly plug idle oil wells in the Inglewood Oil Field near Baldwin Hills. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, targets Sentinel Peak Resources California, Freeport-McMoran Oil & Gas, Plains Resources, and Chevron U.S.A. for allegedly neglecting to clean up at least 227 idle and exhausted wells in the oil field.
The complaint alleges that the wells “continue to leak toxic pollutants into the air, land, and water and present unacceptable dangers to human health, safety, and the environment.” With over a million people living within five miles of the Inglewood oil field, the county is seeking to force the operators to address the dangers posed by the unplugged wells. Supervisor Holly Mitchell, whose district includes the oil field, stated, “We are making it clear to these oil companies that Los Angeles County is done waiting and that we remain unwavering in our commitment to protect residents from the harmful impacts of oil drilling.”
Idle and Exhausted Wells: A Threat to the Environment and Public Health
According to state regulations, “idle wells” are defined as wells that have not produced oil or natural gas for 24 consecutive months, while “exhausted wells” are those that yield an average daily production of two barrels of oil or less. California is home to thousands of such wells, which can continue to emit hazardous air pollutants like benzene and methane, a planet-warming greenhouse gas. Unplugged wells can also leak oil, benzene, chloride, heavy metals, and arsenic into groundwater, posing significant risks to both the environment and public health.
Residents living near oil fields have long reported adverse health impacts, including respiratory, reproductive, and cardiovascular issues. In Los Angeles, these risks disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. County Counsel Dawyn Harrison stated, “The goal of this lawsuit is to force these oil companies to clean up their mess and stop business practices that disproportionately impact people of color living near these oil wells.”
A Call for Environmental Justice and Sustainability
The lawsuit is part of Los Angeles County’s larger effort to phase out oil drilling and transition towards a more sustainable future. Rita Kampalath, the county’s chief sustainability officer, said, “This lawsuit demonstrates the County’s commitment to realizing our sustainability goals by addressing the impacts of the fossil fuel industry on front line communities and the environment.” The county remains dedicated to moving towards a fossil fuel-free future, with a focus on environmental justice and protecting the health and well-being of its residents.
The suit seeks a court order requiring the wells to be properly plugged, as well as abatement for the harms caused by their pollution. It also seeks civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day for each well that is in violation of the law. With the estimated cost of plugging idle and exhausted wells averaging $923,200 per well in Los Angeles County, the county is determined to hold the oil companies accountable for their actions. For more information, visit Here
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