A bill regulating fracking practices by oil companies in California was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday. Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), who represents Malibu and surrounding cities in the State Senate, helped author the legislation.
Its the first bill of its kind passed in California, and requires oil companies to go through a permit process and disclose chemical uses before practicing hydraulic fracking—injecting sand, chemicals and water into underground rock formations to release natural gases and oil. Companies will also be required to conduct groundwater tests and send notices to neighboring landowners about their intent to drill.
Pavley said the new law will require “immediate, robust enforcement and widespread public involvement to ensure the law is upheld to its fullest,” according to the Ventura County Star.
SB 4 officials goes into effect in January.