On Friday, CalGEM, the oil and gas regulatory agency for California, released the first draft of its rulemaking regulations intended to ban fracking by January 1, 2024.
The draft includes broad language that allows for the phase out of all “well stimulation” techniques including fracking, acidizing, gravel packing, steam flooding and steam injection, according to Food and Watch California.
Yesterday’s release of the draft rule follows years of organizing, meetings, protests, rallies, marches and direct action by thousands of climate justice, indigenous, conservation, environmental, public interest and community activists from hundreds of organizations who want to see fracking banned in the state.
However, longtime opponents of fracking say the move is “2-½ years too late” and criticize the rule for “lacking immediate enforcement.”
The well stimulation treatment permitting phase-out discussion draft rule is now available for public comment.
“The Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division, has publicly released pre-rulemaking draft regulations for the purpose of receiving public input on the development of a rule that ends permitting for well stimulation treatments in 2024,” CalGEM announced. “Comments received during the current comment period will be reviewed and considered in developing proposed regulations for formal rulemaking.”
Food & Water Watch California Director Alexandra Nagy responded to the announcement in a statement, noting that the Governor can ban fracking right now:
“CalGEM’s rulemaking draft regulations show an encouraging acknowledgement of the dangers of well stimulation practices like fracking, acidizing, gravel packing and steam injection, but we should not have to wait until 2024 to see the results of the governor’s change of heart. Governor Newsom has the authority and ability to ban fracking right now. Waiting two and a half years only exposes California's frontline communities to imminent environmental and health hazards while giving the oil and gas industry time to stockpile permits and cultivate influence over policy makers. This draft shows worthwhile goals, but Governor Newsom needs to act now. The Californians on the frontlines of fracking can’t afford any more delay.”
Below are the notice and discussion draft rule:
Written submissions may be provided by July 4, 2021, by email at: CalGEMRegulations@conservation.ca.gov. If you have questions regarding the public comment period, please contact: (916) 322-3080.