L.A. hasn’t launched new inspections for oil sites years after council backed plan

The Allenco drill site in University Park, shown in 2019. Councilman Paul Krekorian said that L.A. would not face costly liability if the phaseout included a “reasonable amortization period.” The California Independent Petroleum Assn., which represents oil producers, has insisted such a move would still be “an illegal taking.” As city officials weigh that plan, the petroleum office has shrunk to just two staffers amid a hiring freeze. “It’s inexplicable why the city would not fund and support environmental specialists to guarantee that these active oil sites next to our homes and schools are safe,” Yebri said, calling the absence of a permanent petroleum czar an “excuse.” Martha Dina Argüello, co-chair of STAND-L.A. and executive director of Physicians for Social Responsibility-LA, said that phasing out drilling would also require an effective “regulatory regime.” If oil wells are being closed, “that needs to have strong regulatory and community oversight so they do it right,” Argüello said. “We’ve been directed by the City Council to start a citywide program — which is happening.” California State orders permanent shutdown of oil drilling site near USC Allenco Energy agreed to suspend operations at the site more than six years ago after an outcry over headaches and other ailments suffered by neighbors. At a hearing last year about the Pico Boulevard site, Silver said it felt like “Groundhog Day” after what he had seen in Rancho Park, calling it an opportunity for the city “to finally walk the walk and not just talk the talk.” In the meantime, community groups have continued to complain about the city not pressing oil sites for compliance with local rules.