NorthAmOil: Los Angeles bans new oil wells, to close existing wells

Los Angeles city councillors have voted unanimously to ban existing oil wells within city boundaries immediately, and to phase out existing ones within 20 years.

There are 26 oil and gas fields – and some 5,000 wells – within the metropolis, the country’s second largest. Not all are active. LA’s oil wells have been called the largest urban system of oil production, though the oil production is in decline.

In fact, the volume of oil produced may not be large, but California – the nation’s most populous state – and its cities are trend-setters nationally in terms of environmental policy. 

City officials cited as reasons that the health of residents who live near wells is being affected negatively and that closing them will help fight climate change.

“When this ordinance goes into place, there will be no new oil and gas production whatsoever,” said council president Paul Krekorian during the session at which new wells were banned in a 12:0 vote. “That’s a pretty monumental step that we’re taking.”