California lawmakers to introduce fracking ban in December

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION) A day after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that included a goal to phase out fracking permits by 2024, three state lawmakers announced that they will be introducing a ban on fracking in December.

Central Coast Assemblymember Robert Rivas, Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Monique Limón said they will introduce it when the next legislative session starts.

Fracking is a way to extract oil and gas by injecting high-pressure mixtures of water, sand or gravel and chemicals into rock.

“Fracking is one of the most toxic and environmentally damaging forms of fossil fuel extraction,” Rivas said. “As a county supervisor, I helped pass one of the first local bans on fracking in the country, and I believe a statewide ban is long overdue. If we’re going to solve our climate crisis, we cannot afford to kick the can down the road on this critical issue."

"It’s time to begin the phase-out of California’s oil production. Let’s start with banning fracking, which is environmentally destructive, carbon-intensive, and inconsistent with respect for the land," Wiener said.

Newsom's order also aims to stop the sales of new gasoline-powered cars and trucks by 2035.