By Melanie Cohen, Conservation Co-Chair

On Sept. 8, 350.org and many local environmental justice groups including Physicians for Social Responsibility – LA and Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) held “Rise for Climate LA,” a rally calling for a state commitment to no new permits for oil or gas drilling and a transition to 100% clean energy. Leaders called for 2500-foot setback for a health and safety buffer around oil well sites. Specifically at issue is AllenCo Energy, which operates 21 drilling sites next door to low-income housing, day care centers and numerous schools and colleges. AllenCo is attempting to reopen a site in downtown L.A. Maro Kakoussian of Physicians for Social Responsibility said, “We are fighting for all existing sites and all new sites.“ Unfortunately, the state assembly bill, AB3146, which addressed part of this issue, calling for testing for airborne chemicals on existing well sites, died on the floor due to pressure from oil and gas industry lobbyists

For further information on this issue please contact:

Communities for a Better Environment

https://www.stand.la/allenco.html