Nearly a million Californians have signed a petition to stop increased energy imports from foreign countries, according to a Dec. 12 release from the California Independent Petroleum Association, a nonprofit trade association representing hundreds of oil industrialists and gas producers.
The signatures gathered—roughly 978,000—are to place on the 2024 ballot a referendum on Senate Bill 1137, which was signed into law in September to restrict oil wells within 3,200 feet of homes, schools, and other locations, and also curtails the in-state production of oil.
The petroleum association has additionally claimed to have raised $8 million toward the effort.
“California-produced oil is the most climate-compliant oil in the world,” said Rock Zierman, the petroleum association’s chief executive officer. “Producers in our state must adhere to the state’s greenhouse gas reduction program and account for all emissions. Foreign oil imports are totally exempt from those requirements.”
The organization argues the new law will restrict the supply of state-produced oil and make gas more expensive through foreign imports.
“There is absolutely no reason California should be held hostage and export our wealth to OPEC+ countries,” Zierman said. “But by strangling our domestic supply, Governor Newsom is promoting greater greenhouse gas emissions generated in other parts of the world and making gasoline more expensive.”
But supporters of the bill say it will protect Californians from harmful emissions and toxic gas.
The group will need to have 623,000 signatures verified by the California Secretary of State before the issue of possibly overturning the law can go before voters in 2024.
