SACRAMENTO —
California on Monday sought to block the Trump administration from allowing new oil and gas wells in national parks and wilderness areas in the state.
Any new oil or gas projects approved in federally protected areas would be prohibited from having their pipelines or other essential infrastructure cross state lands, under legislation approved by California lawmakers.
“This bill is all about California fighting the Trump administration’s plan to frack and drill in some of our most beautiful federal protected lands and national monuments,” said Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hills Estates), author of the bill.
That prohibition would include state lands near the Carrizo Plains National Monument in San Luis Obispo County, an area known for its spectacular wildflower blooms and potentially large reserves of oil and gas.
The legislation, AB 342, now heads to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration. The Democratic governor has been a frequent critic of the Republican president’s efforts to expand oil and gas drilling in California.