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Youth v. Oil Celebrates: Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California

After months of advocacy and activism from grassroots organizations and frontline communities, including Youth v. Oil in San Diego, Big Oil withdrew its referendum to overturn the oil setback law that was passed in 2022.

The Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California has won!

What happened?

Despite spending nearly $61 million on deceitful efforts, Big Oil has conceded defeat and withdrawn their Referendum on Senate Bill 1137. Senate Bill 1137 will take effect immediately, protecting California frontline communities by prohibiting oil companies from drilling new or reworked oil wells within 3,200 ft of places where people work, learn, live, and play, and increasing regulations on existing wells within this zone.

Nearly 3 million people currently live within this 3,200 ft setback, a majority being Black, Indigenous, and people of color who contribute the least to pollution and climate change, yet suffer the worst impacts. With this win, California has taken a big step towards fighting environmental injustice.

youth for climate members march with sign "youth demand climate action"

How did we make an impact?

Youth v. Oil, SanDiego350’s youth-led campaign dedicated to ending fossil fuel extraction in California, has worked tirelessly to pass resolutions at city councils in San Diego County and to educate voters about the referendum, doing its part in the bigger movement throughout California.

Five cities passed the Resolution to Support SB 1137:

  • San Diego
  • Encinitas
  • La Mesa
  • Del Mar
  • Vista
Youth v Oil members stand with San Diego City Councilmembers Joe LaCava and Jennifer Campbell
Youth V Oil members pass resolution in support of SB 1137 at City of San Diego Environmental Committee
“It is about time Big Oil recognized that Californians support healthy neighborhoods over pollution and climate destruction. The audacity to oppose sensible setbacks is a reminder that the fight to protect neighborhoods, the public’s health, and the climate are far from over. Thankfully, as we saw in San Diego, today’s youth are taking this personally and will continue fighting for their future.”
Joe LaCava
Joe LaCavaSan Diego Council President Pro Tem
“I’m grateful for the five cities that passed our resolution and the hundreds of young people who worked on the campaign."
Abby Deckert
Abby DeckertSanDiego350 Board Member & rising senior at Santana High School
“This is a major turning point. It shows that Big Oil is on its way out. But this is only the beginning for us. As temperatures continue to rise globally due to greenhouse gas emissions from the fossil fuel industry, we will keep fighting for a rapid, just transition to a fossil free California.”
Sofia Carrasco
Sofia CarrascoYouth v. Oil’s Resolution Team Lead & rising sophomore at Canyon Crest Academy
“In San Diego, this campaign has been driven by the hard work of our youth activists. I am so proud of our work and feel so empowered by what grassroots activism has achieved. This is a win for climate justice and for our futures.”
Emma Weibel
Emma WeibelSanDiego350’s Youth v. Oil Intern & rising senior at La Jolla High School
“This shows that young people like me have the political power to effect change. You can be sure that we will keep fighting Big Oil’s efforts to poison communities and cause climate disasters.”
Daniel Hernandez
Daniel HernandezYouth v. Oil member, incoming Chula Vista Community Intern with SanDiego350, & rising senior at Bonita Vista High School
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This campaign isn’t over- stay tuned for the next ways to Support Youth v. Oil in fighting Big Oil!

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