Newsom must prioritize frontline communities in oil and gas actions
SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom announced today a directive to end new fracking permits by 2024 and phase out oil and gas extraction by 2045, making California the first state in the nation to commit to a planned phase out of oil and gas extraction.
In response, Friends of the Earth Senior Fossil Fuels Campaign Manager Nicole Ghio issued the following statement:
A planned phase out of fossil fuels is the only way to protect the public from deadly pollution and climate change. Friends of the Earth commends Governor Newsom for making California the first state in the nation to commit to this long overdue step. However, frontline communities cannot wait years or decades for action. It is important that the state start by immediately instituting 2,500 foot setbacks between drilling sites and the places where we live, work and play. It is time to prioritize the Black and Indigenous communities of color that have borne the brunt of the harm caused by the fossil fuel industry.
Contact: Erin Jensen, 202-222-0722, [email protected]