Los Angeles County Bans New Natural Gas and Oil Wells

SEATTLE (Oil Monster): The Los Angeles County board announced its decision to ban new drilling activity starting February this year. Earlier in December 2022, the Los Angeles City had imposed ban on new natural gas and oil well drilling within its borders. The County officials passed an ordinance amending the zoning law, thus banning new oil and gas wells or production facilities in all county zones.

Starting late-February 2023, the updated county code would make existing oil and gas wells that operate without an approved conditional use permit would be deemed as violating legal uses of property. These wells must be within the site maintenance provisions, or be plugged and abandoned.

Also, beginning February 2025, the operators of these wells need to file indemnity bonds of at least $152,000 per well with the Los Angeles County Board. The bonds would cover the costs of wells that are not plugged and abandoned. 

According to most recent data published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), California is home to 3,583 natural gas and natural gas liquids wells in 2020, much lower when matched with 4.356 wells in 2012.

The California Independent Petroleum Association termed the move by the County board as short-sighted, saying that it would create economic, environmental and health problems to underserved communities.