Governor Newsom and California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM):
The need for setbacks is more urgent than ever in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent Harvard research study found that “a person living for decades in a county with high levels of fine particulate matter is 15 percent more likely to die from the coronavirus than someone in a region with one unit less of the fine particulate pollution.” This means that to protect Californians from COVID-19, we must reduce the pollution they’re exposed to.
More than 5.5 million Californians less than a mile from an active well, with drilling disproportionately concentrated in low-income and communities of color. These communities suffer some of the worst air pollution in the nation. Now, more than ever, our families need YOU to publicly acknowledge the health consequences of fossil-fuel production in California’s frontline communities and step up to protect our most vulnerable residents.
Will you show us you care by implementing science-based setbacks now?