Letter: Support for fracking permit phase-out regulations

March 26, 2024

Re: Support for Well Stimulation Treatment Permitting Phase-Out Regulations

Dear Supervisor Ito,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment on the draft rulemaking to phase out well stimulation permitting in California. Oil and gas production, including fracking, has polluted California’s air, water, land and communities for far too long. This rulemaking will put an end to new fracking permits and set California on a healthier path where we rely on clean, renewable energy instead of dirty, polluting fossil fuels. Environment California writes to express strong support for the Well Stimulation Treatment Permit Regulations.

Fracking is an environmental nightmare that must be stopped as soon as possible. Pumping toxic chemicals at high pressure into the ground pollutes our air, land, and water, posing a dangerous threat to our health and safety. The toxic impacts of fracking are numerous: it produces enormous amounts of toxic wastewater, wastes California’s precious water resources, uses a wide range of toxic chemicals, releases health-threatening air pollution that worsens our already poor air quality, produces significant global warming pollution that exacerbates the climate crisis, and it damages our natural heritage– turning forests and rural landscapes into polluting industrial zones.

Fracking has no place in California. These permitting phase-out regulations represent California’s chance to phase out filthy fracking once and for all. This is one of many important steps needed to protect Californians from the dangers of oil and gas and quickly transition our state to a clean energy-powered economy. Please pass these regulations to protect Californians and their environment from the dangers of fossil fuel extraction and to demonstrate your commitment to health, safety, and a livable climate for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Steven King

Clean Energy Advocate

Environment California