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Council approves motions to identify and remediate brownfields and abandoned oil wells
Summary
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved two motions directing action on brownfield sites and abandoned oil wells after councilmember Hernández introduced measures citing public-health risks; votes were 14-0 on both items.
The Los Angeles City Council on an unanimous vote approved two motions introduced by Councilmember Hernández to identify and remediate brownfield sites and to regulate and address thousands of abandoned oil wells that the motion said place residents at risk.
Councilmember Hernández told colleagues the motions seek to “cerrar estas brechas” by asking federal and other agencies to update permits, identify brownfield properties and carry out environmental assessments and remediation where needed. Hernández said many of the contaminated properties sit near homes, schools and parks and that abandoned oil wells can expose residents to harmful chemicals including benzene.
The motions call for environmental evaluations, the development of remediation standards, owner accountability mechanisms and community engagement in planning and implementation. Hernández also asked the council to identify regulatory or funding gaps and to coordinate with state and federal agencies to close them.
Public commenters who represented community and environmental groups urged passage. A Sunrise LA member said, “Apoyo estos puntos porque estoy verdaderamente preocupado por el impacto de... los campos de petroleros que dañan la salud mía y la comunidad.” Another commenter from Sunrise LA said the city must “limpiar este desastre” and stressed the health and economic costs of leaving wells and contaminated sites in place.
The council opened the roll and recorded 14 affirmative votes on each motion. The items were listed on the agenda as Nos. 7 and 8 and were moved by Councilmember Hernández; council records show the motions were adopted without amendment.
Council action follows months of community testimony and advocacy, according to speakers during the meeting; the motions direct city staff and partner agencies to produce reports and regulatory recommendations to address the sites and exposures described in the motions.
Votes at the meeting were recorded immediately after public comment and the motions took effect as council instructions to staff; the motions do not themselves appropriate funds.
Community groups said they expect follow-up in future council committee reports and budget negotiations.
