Most people have a general understanding of why active oil drilling near residential neighborhoods is a problem. Oil extraction increases the amount of methane in the air. It’s linked to higher asthma rates in children as well as higher rates of preterm labor in pregnant women who live near active drilling sites. But what most people don’t see are the quieter, more insidious practices oil companies use to keep these wells running, and how far they’re willing to go to extract more oil, even when those wells sit next to homes, schools, and parks.

Let’s talk about one of them: acid maintenance.

This is a process that involves injecting industrial-grade acid into oil wells to break up blockages and extend the life of old equipment. It’s common in aging urban fields, where production is slowing down but operators are trying to squeeze out every remaining drop. The chemicals used are so hazardous that workers wear hazmat suits and regularly monitor for exposure. The problem is that the people living nearby often don’t even know it’s happening.

Before the courts struck down the City’s oil ordinance last year, acid maintenance projects had to go through public review and community notification. That system worked. There were no acid maintenance operations while those protections were in place. But after the ruling, operators ramped up activity. In just six months, there have been more than 30 notices of acid maintenance citywide, and not all of them followed even the basic rules that still apply.

That’s why I co-authored a motion with Councilmember Tim McOsker last year to pause acid maintenance and restore public oversight. My office is also pushing the City’s Chief Zoning Administrator to issue a revised interpretation of the zoning code that would bring back transparency and review of acid maintenance practices. With the passage of AB 3233, the City now has clear authority to regulate this work. We need to use it.

This is not just a public health issue. It’s about who gets protected and who doesn’t. It’s about whether Los Angeles is willing to stand up to an industry that has taken too much for too long at our expense. On Tuesday, the Energy and Environment Committee will consider the City Attorney’s report on my motion. If you are able, I encourage you to participate and show your support. You can do so by submitting written public comment in support of CF 24-1580 or by attending the meeting in person. 

All my best,

Katy