Ferrar

CRC Play To Buy Aera Is Way To Avoid Plugging Idle Wells, Extending Life Of Depleted Oil Fields Via Unproven Technology, Say Consumer Watchdog and FrackTracker Alliance

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

The purchase of Aera brings CRC's count of idle wells producing no oil from about 6,700 up to nearly 16,000 wells.

Key Points: 
  • The purchase of Aera brings CRC's count of idle wells producing no oil from about 6,700 up to nearly 16,000 wells.
  • The two companies avoid the costs of plugging them because the state charges very little in fines.
  • The real play appears to be that CRC wants Aera's oil fields as a potential site to store carbon from unproven carbon capture programs.
  • The state never required the two oil giants to put up the money to cover full plugging and remediation of Aera's wells.

CalGEM Continues 2023 Oil Permit Approvals in Vulnerable Communities, Works Against Legislation Raising Billions in Oil Bonding to Plug Unproductive Wells; Newsom Must Ignore Regulator and Sign AB 1167, Advocacy Groups Say

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 5, 2023

At the same time, the regulator has worked to undermine AB 1167 in the legislature and with the governor.

Key Points: 
  • At the same time, the regulator has worked to undermine AB 1167 in the legislature and with the governor.
  • AB 1167 (Carrillo) is a critical bill to raise billions in bonding from oil companies seeking to sell unproductive wells to ensure plugging costs are covered, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance said today.
  • "He must sign this legislation immediately to ensure that the state has enough oil industry bonding to plug idle and orphaned oil wells that poison communities with their emissions—especially because CalGEM is approving so many rework permits in communities."
  • Nevertheless, California regulator CalGEM continues to approve new drilling and rework permits within 3,200 feet of homes, healthcare facilities, and schools.

California Oil Regulators Continue Issuing Permits In Q2 To Rework Leaky, Unproductive Wells; Should Order Plugging Instead, Advocates Say

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 13, 2023

In the second quarter, 92% of the wells that got rework permits produced less than 15 barrels daily, according to CalGEM data analyzed by FracTracker Alliance.

Key Points: 
  • In the second quarter, 92% of the wells that got rework permits produced less than 15 barrels daily, according to CalGEM data analyzed by FracTracker Alliance.
  • "The latest permit numbers show approvals to drill new wells have cratered, while permit approvals to rework old leaky wells continue to rise," said Consumer Advocate Liza Tucker.
  • The rework permits helped larger oil companies like Chevron unload these bad assets on smaller companies destined for bankruptcy."
  • Of the total 754 rework, sidetrack, and deepening permits issued, 32% were within the 3,200' public health protection zone.

1st Q Oil Permits Within 3,200-Foot Setback Zone Total 62% Of All New Permits Approved In State Action Condemned By Advocates, Consumer Watchdog Reports

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 12, 2023

"The oil industry had the audacity to challenge a state law establishing that health protective setback by qualifying a referendum to overturn it.

Key Points: 
  • "The oil industry had the audacity to challenge a state law establishing that health protective setback by qualifying a referendum to overturn it.
  • Yet, CalGEM continues to bend to the whim of the oil and gas industry," said FracTracker Coordinator Kyle Ferrar.
  • During the first quarter of 2023, CalGEM approved a total of 897 permits throughout the state, a 40% uptick over the first quarter of 2022.
  • In general, the oil industry applies for more permits to fix (rework) wells than it does to drill new ones.

2nd Quarter Permits To Fix Oil Wells Skyrocket As Groups Urge Newsom To Mandate Plugging Old Leaky Wells To Protect Public Health, says Consumer Watchdog

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 14, 2022

The permits are posted on a map at www.newsomwellwatch.com

Key Points: 
  • The permits are posted on a map at www.newsomwellwatch.com
    "These are permit approvals to rework old wells that the oil industry wants to squeeze dry," said consumer advocate Liza Tucker.
  • Second quarter permit approvals pushed the overall number of oil drilling permits approved since Newsom came to office in January 2019 to 11,669.
  • Of all 2022 permit approvals to rework wells, 31% were issued for idle wells, according to FracTracker Alliance.
  • "Additionally, CalGEM should not be permitting new oil and gas wells, particularly near homes and communities.

CA Crosses Line Of 10,000 Oil Drilling Permits Issued Since Newsom Took Office, Groups Urge Newsom To Cease All Permitting Says Consumer Watchdog

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Nevertheless, Newsom's number is nipping on the heels of Brown's 10,268 permits dispensed in his first three years in office.

Key Points: 
  • Nevertheless, Newsom's number is nipping on the heels of Brown's 10,268 permits dispensed in his first three years in office.
  • "We are pleased to see that Governor Newsom's oil regulators are approving fewer permits," said Consumer Watchdog's Energy Project Director Liza Tucker.
  • Governor Newsom has issued a ban on fracking as of 2024, and his regulators have begun denying fracking permits, said Tucker.
  • As of December 31, 2021, oil regulators had issued a total of 542 permits for drilling new oil and gas wells, down 73% over 2020.