LOS ANGELES— Today, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission (CPC) issued a unanimous recommendation in support of City Planning’s proposed land use recommendations that would prohibit new oil and gas extraction, and begin the phase out of existing operations.

“Today’s vote demonstrates what cities can do at the local level to address issues related to environmental justice and climate change,” stated Commission President Samantha Millman. “The Department and Commission have worked together with impacted communities to advance this initiative in alignment with the broader national and statewide discussions around L.A.’s Green New Deal.”

Traditionally, while some oil wells in Los Angeles have been situated in heavy industrial areas, many have been located within residential neighborhoods, nearby community parks and schools. As a result, City Planning prepared this ordinance to institute an outright ban on all future oil uses, while making extraction activities a nonconforming use in all zones to phase out of existing operations, and to better prioritize the health of its residents.

“Zoning in Los Angeles arose from a need to protect citizens’ health, safety, and welfare,” stated Commissioner Renee Dake Wilson. “You can imagine how proud it then makes me feel to be a part of a conversation on how zoning can address issues related to equity, considering how long our front line communities of color have had to live next to these drill sites.”

Following CPC’s recommendation, the ordinance will now advance to the City Council for their consideration and approval. Upon adoption, it will add to the list of other community protections that the City has instituted to improve land use compatibility at the neighborhood level while addressing Los Angeles’s goals around sustainability and resiliency.