More than 1 million Californians are exposed to drilling-related pollution that can contribute to asthma, preterm births, and other health problems due to living close to active oil or gas wells. A new study finds that Black, Latinx or low-income people in California are disproportionately impacted by these operations. Furthermore, Black Californians are more likely to live near the most intensive oil and gas operations, exposing them to harmful chemicals. The California climate measures signed into law last September by Governor Gavin Newsom contained provisions that would ban new drilling within 1 km of homes, schools, hospitals, and parks and provide protections for those living near existing wells. However, oil companies have succeeded in delaying the law until voters decide its fate in a November 2024 ballot referendum. Additionally, nearly 9 million Californians live near abandoned wells, and some of these older wells may still be emitting toxic chemicals. The study’s lead author calls for more research into the potential risks associated with these older wells and the importance of responsible well retirement.
Black, Latinx Californians Disproportionately Exposed to Oil and Gas Wells
According to a new study in the journal GeoHealth, over 1 million Californians live near active oil or gas wells and are potentially exposed to pollution related to drilling, which can contribute to health problems like preterm births, asthma, and other health issues. The study revealed that Black, Latinx, and low-income individuals are disproportionately exposed to oil and gas wells, with Black Californians more likely to live near the most intensive oil and gas operations.
The study’s lead author, David González, a President’s Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, stated that Black, Latinx, and low-income individuals consistently lived near oil and gas wells over the past 15 years, particularly in areas with the most intensive oil and gas production. These areas can lead to greater exposure to harmful chemicals, putting residents at risk.
González’s earlier work found that disparities in exposure to oil and gas wells could be traced back to the 1930s and were linked to the historical policy of redlining. The study revealed that oil and gas wells have disproportionately impacted racially marginalized and low-income communities in California for generations. Redlining was strongly associated with the disproportionate siting of oil and gas wells in historically racially marginalized communities, and many of these same neighborhoods still see disproportionate siting and production of oil and gas infrastructure today.
The oil and gas production process releases a variety of hazardous pollutants, including toxic volatile organic compounds, diesel exhaust from drilling rigs and heavy machinery, and chemicals used to extract oil from underground reservoirs that can seep into the water supply. The operation of drilling machinery in residential areas can also create additional stressors, such as light and sound pollution.
Overall, the study suggests that Black, Latinx, and low-income Californians are at the highest risk of exposure to oil and gas wells’ pollution, which has long-lasting and detrimental effects on their health.
Study Finds Black Californians at Higher Risk of Exposure to Intensive Oil Production
Recent scientific evidence suggests that living near oil and gas wells poses a variety of health risks, particularly for those who live within 1 kilometer (km) or a little over half a mile of a well. The California climate measures signed into law in September 2022 by Gov. Gavin Newsom contain provisions that would ban new drilling within 1 km of homes, schools, hospitals, and parks and provide protections for those living near existing wells. However, oil companies have succeeded in delaying the law until voters decide its fate in a November 2024 ballot referendum.
The researchers stated that many studies investigating the health risks of oil and gas production only consider proximity to wells, which may mask additional disparities in the hazards posed by more intensive production. The current study found that Black Californians are more likely to be exposed to more intensive oil productions, which may help explain why some studies have found that the health risks associated with living near wells are higher for racially and socioeconomically marginalized people.
The study’s senior author, Rachel Morello-Frosch, a professor at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health and in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, said she hopes the paper makes clear the health equity implications of the oil and gas industry in California. The weight of scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that people living near oil and gas development have a greater risk of respiratory problems and adverse birth outcomes, according to Seth B.C. Shonkoff, executive director of PSE Healthy Energy and an associate researcher at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health. Attempts to delay California’s landmark setback law contradict the science and increase public health risks, particularly for Black and brown communities.
Oil and gas production is a complex process that can release a variety of hazardous pollutants, including toxic volatile organic compounds, diesel exhaust from drilling rigs and heavy machinery, and chemicals used to extract oil from underground reservoirs that can seep into the water supply. Intensive oil production can lead to greater exposure to harmful chemicals, putting residents at risk.
Overall, the study suggests that Black Californians are at higher risk of exposure to intensive oil production, which has significant implications for regulatory interventions that center environmental justice in protecting community health from this environmental hazard.
20% of Californians Live Close to Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells
Nearly 9 million Californians, or 20% of the population, live close to wells that have been plugged and abandoned, with some dating back to the 1800s. While wells plugged in recent years are held to rigorous environmental standards, older wells may still be emitting toxic chemicals, posing a risk to those living nearby. The most common exposure to oil and gas infrastructure in California is from plugged and abandoned wells, according to the study’s lead author, David González. The study’s co-authors hope their findings will spur more research into the potential risks associated with these older wells and highlight the importance of responsible well retirement to prevent future problems.
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