Rep. Barragán Introduces the No Drilling in Our Backyards Act

Press Release

Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro) last week introduced the No Drilling in Our Backyards Act of 2017. This act would ensure that oil and gas drilling everywhere inside the United States occurs at least 1,500 feet away from homes, businesses, schools, and other protected areas.

The bill is endorsed by: the Sierra Club, Green for All, the California League of Conservation Voters, and Food & Water Watch.

"Urban oil and gas drilling does not belong in our neighborhoods--oil wells next to homes are causing a public health crisis in our communities," said Congresswoman Barragán.

"In my district, CA-44, oil wells are in our backyards and next to parks where children play. They are breathing in the pollution from oil drilling operations and suffering the health impacts such as asthma and respiratory problems."

"No community should be forced to live with the daily threat of pollution from oil and gas operations in their neighborhoods," said Lena Moffit, Senior Director of the Sierra Club's Our Wild America Campaign.

"It's time our government took steps to ensure that Americans' public health is prioritized over fossil fuel industry profits, and that the places our families live, work, and go to school are safe from toxic air pollution," she added.

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