June 21, 2022
City Council
DATE: June 21, 2022
TO: Mayor Butt and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmembers Gayle McLaughlin and Claudia Jimenez
Subject:
Ban the Drilling of Oil and Gas in Contra Costa County
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact related to this item at this time. If staff determines a financial impact, it will be reported.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
Adopted Resolution 16-18 on March 6, 2018.
Adopted Resolution 94-11 on October 18, 2011.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Oil and gas development (OGD) is a leading source of
harmful air pollutants, the City of Richmond opposes the approval of new oil and gas drilling in Contra Costa
County.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution in support of banning the drilling of oil and gas in Contra Costa County - Councilmember
Gayle McLaughlin (620-6636) and Councilmember
Claudia Jimenez (620-6565).
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond is one of the two focus communities for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s initial implementation of the Assembly Bill 617 (AB 617). AB 617 is a State mandated program that uses a community-based approach to reduce local air pollution in communities around the State that continue to experience disproportionate impacts from pollution.
Oil and gas drilling is a leading source of harmful air pollutants which emit toxic chemicals that cause significant harm to fetuses, children, elderly, and historically AGENDA
REPORT
June 21, 2022
disadvantaged persons such as—Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian, and low-income communities. Its effects can significantly increase poor birth outcomes and illness throughout childhood. Its effects may lead to neurodegenerative disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety.
The City of Richmond has continuously aimed to strengthen and sustain the quality of the environment in Contra Costa County—it is appropriate to join others in the region in banning oil and gas drilling and phasing out existing oil and gas development activities and associated infrastructure.
It is recommended that the City Council of the City of Richmond support the banning of new oil and gas drilling in Contra Costa County.
Here is the link to sign the support letter.
No New Oil and Gas Drilling in Contra Costa County! (google.com)
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Attachment 2 - Contra Costa No Drilling Fact Sheet