“Residents Unite Against Oil Drilling Expansion in Signal Hill: A Fight for Health and Climate Justice”

Residents of Signal Hill, a small town in Los Angeles County, gathered to oppose a proposal by a California oil and gas company to extend its neighborhood drilling operation permit for 20 years. The town, known for its oil history, is facing a decision on whether to allow the company to expand its drilling operations despite California’s goals of carbon neutrality by 2045 and banning gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

The company, Signal Hill Petroleum, owns over 480 wells, with some located just 20 feet from homes. The proposed extension would allow the company to drill dozens of new wells over the next two decades. However, residents and environmental advocates raised concerns about the health and environmental impacts of such an expansion.

A draft environmental impact report commissioned by the city found that the risks posed by the extension were deemed “less than significant” with mitigation measures. However, the report failed to address the violations by Signal Hill Petroleum, including exceeding air quality standards and releasing toxic fumes.

Studies have shown that living near oil and gas operations can have adverse health effects, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Despite these risks, the city council has extended the company’s permit multiple times in the past, with the current proposal being the longest extension granted.

Residents and advocacy groups have been working to inform the community about the potential dangers of the extension and have called for a new environmental report that prioritizes public health and safety over the profits of oil companies. They are urging the city council to embrace clean energy solutions and consider the well-being of the community and the environment.

The decision on the permit extension is crucial for the future of Signal Hill and its residents, as it will determine the town’s path towards sustainability and environmental protection. The community’s opposition to the proposal highlights the growing concerns over the impacts of fossil fuel production on public health and the environment.