Earth Protect Blog

Shared from the 10/13/2019 The Denver Post eEdition

By The Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.» Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday signed a law intended to counter Trump administration plans to increase oil and gas production on protected public land.

The measure bars any California leasing authority from allowing pipelines or other oil and gas infrastructure to be built on state property. It makes it difficult for drilling to occur because federally protected areas are adjacent to state-owned land.

The law sends a “clear message to (President Donald) Trump that we will fight to protect these beautiful lands for current and future generations,” said Democratic Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, who introduced it.

It’s one of several new laws enacted by the governor in recent days.

Newsom also signed a law that renames the California agency that regulates the oil and gas industry.