Urban Oil Drilling

Oil drilling in dense residential neighborhoods in Los Angeles is a dangerous activity that threatens the health and well-being of nearby residents, some of whom live within a few hundred feet of these toxic operations. Urban oil drilling exposes residents to harmful fumes, disruptive levels of noise, and noxious air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These pollutants result in serious health impacts, including cancer, a reduction in lung function and capacity, asthma, and the prevalence of symptoms like chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, and eye irritation. 

Urban oil drilling in Signal Hill, California. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images.

AQMD must take action to ensure that urban oil drilling sites are properly regulated so that community members are not subjected to hazardous levels of pollution and disruptive noise and odors. Redeemer Community Partnership is a non-profit grassroots organization whose members strive to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for families in South Los Angeles. Redeemer is working to hold operators of urban oil drilling sites accountable. Find out more about Redeemer’s work on their website.  

Members of Redeemer.