FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Sandy Naranjo, Mothers Out Front

Masada Disenhouse, SanDiego350

sandy.naranjo@mothersoutfront.org

masada@sandiego350.org

619-780-1944

619-277-4594

SanDiego350 and Mothers Out Front CA Strongly Condemn Senator Hueso’s No Vote on AB 345

Bill that would have protected families from the

impacts of oil and gas driling is now officially dead

Today, Senator Stern pulled recosideration Assembly Bill 345 from the Natural Resources Committee's Wednesday meeting agenda because the Senators who voted no at last week's meeting indicated they would stick with their votes.

That means that AB 345, which would have protected California families and children from the health impacts of oil and gas drilling, is now officially dead. SanDiego350 and Mothers Out Front California expressed disappointment with Senator Ben Hueso's vote against AB 345. Hueso represents South Bay San Diego out to Imperial County.

Over 5 million Californians—overwhelming people of color—live within a mile of drilling sites. AB 345 would have recommended a 2,500 ft public health buffer between oil extraction sites and the communities living, working, attending school, and playing near them.

Although 79% of Californians supported the proposed buffer zone and thousands of San Diegans voiced their support as well, the Committee voted against the health of the communities they represent.

“Senator Hueso’s "no" vote prioritizes oil company profits over community members and families in California,” said Elaine Maltz, SanDiego350’s volunteer Legislative Committee Chair. “This vote perpetuates environmental racism in California by failing to protect the health of its most vulnerable residents, especially now during COVID-19 when people living in polluted environments are at a much higher risk.”

“I am so discouraged by Senator Hueso’s vote and his comments at the Committee hearing,” said Sandy Naranjo, California Organizing Manager with Mothers Out Front CA, referring to the Senator apologizing for wasting the committees’ time on discussion of the bill today. “It is heartbreaking that my Senator's vote ensured that this bill, which would have improved the health of black and brown families living near drilling sites, failed.”

SanDiego350 & Mothers Out Front hosted a press conference on Tuesday, August 4, urging the Senator to vote yes that featured labor unions, mayors and local organizations. See the recording.

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SanDiego350 is building a movement to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and climate injustice through education and outreach, public policy advocacy, and mobilizing people to take action.

Mothers Out Front builds power as mothers to ensure a livable climate for all children.