CIPA Pushes Back Against LA City Council's Attempt to Halt Routine Oil Well

The California Independent Petroleum Association (CIPA) submitted a formal comment letter opposing the Los Angeles City Council’s proposed motion (Council File No. 24-1580) to halt the use of acid-based well maintenance across the city. The motion seeks to enact an interim control ordinance that would effectively eliminate routine oil well cleaning practices, a move CIPA warns is misguided, legally questionable, and environmentally counterproductive.

In its letter, CIPA clearly outlines the contradictions and dangers of the proposed policy. Acid well maintenance, also known as well descaling, is a safe and essential procedure that has been performed for decades to ensure the operational safety and efficiency of oil wells. Ironically, the City of Los Angeles uses similar acid-based methods to clean its 55 public swimming pools and water treatment facilities, a key point that highlights the double standard being applied to the oil and gas industry.

CIPA’s letter also exposes the flawed legal foundation of the motion. The City appears to be relying on AB 3233 to justify its authority to regulate injection well operations. However, CIPA makes it clear that federal law, specifically the Safe Drinking Water Act, does not permit such delegation of regulatory authority to local governments. Former EPA Region 9 Administrator Martha Guzman has confirmed in writing that California may not pass that authority on to municipalities. Thus, any attempt by Los Angeles to regulate downhole operations, including injection wells, is unlawful.

Moreover, the motion directly contradicts the City’s General Plan, which calls for environmentally responsible petroleum extraction to reduce dependence on imported oil. If enacted, this policy would force a reliance on more foreign crude tankered through the Ports of LA and Long Beach, increasing emissions and undermining California’s climate goals.

CIPA continues to advocate for science-based, legally sound policy and remains committed to defending its members from politically motivated efforts that threaten jobs, public safety, and energy reliability. We will remain actively engaged with the City Council, legal experts, and regulatory bodies to ensure that our members’ operations can continue safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with state and federal law.