Committee hears heavy public comment on proposed interim control ordinance to stop acid well maintenance; no vote

A City Council committee heard extensive public comment on a proposed interim control ordinance (ICO) that would bar oil-well maintenance using strong acids, but took no vote Monday and moved discussion of agenda items 6 and 7 into closed session for legal consultation.

The committee convened a public-comment period during which community members, faith leaders and environmental advocates urged adoption of an ICO or the readoption of a previously denied ordinance to stop acid-based well maintenance near homes, schools and medical facilities. Industry representatives and some local residents opposed a ban, saying the maintenance is standard, tightly regulated and necessary for production.

Planning department staff told the committee the procedural window to prepare an ICO’s findings is typically about five months; an ICO would be effective for 45 days after approval, with possible extensions that the council must approve. Staff also warned that adopting a permanent ordinance will require additional legal review and findings and that the department faces staffing constraints: the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget…