CA, US & World
Bill would exempt many CA oil wells from federal air pollution rules
A Republican-backed federal bill would exempt low-producing oil wells from Biden-era gas leak detection requirements, a change that could affect many wells in California.
Supporters of the Protect Domestic Oil and Gas Small Business Act of 2026 say Clean Air Act rules burden small-scale producers and were designed for larger operations.
But Kyle Ferrar, western program director for the FracTracker Alliance, said low-producing wells need to be monitored because they account for nearly half of all methane emissions nationwide.
“Robust leak detection and reporting requirements are incredibly important for not only environmental health and community safety, but also for our energy independence,” Ferrar said.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
California has its own methane rule requiring leak inspections and repairs. But the rule does not cover heavy oil, which makes up most of the state’s oil production. Advocates want the California Air Resources Board to follow through with a 2024 proposal to close loopholes for heavy oil wells.
Ferrar said aging wells emit methane and many other toxic air pollutants.
“There are thousands of aging wells in the state that emit methane and other toxic air pollutants,” Ferrar said. “These include carcinogens and risk drivers for asthma exacerbation, heart attack, and stroke, in addition to other cardiovascular and upper respiratory diseases.”
Data from the Rocky Mountain Institute shows California is home to an estimated 18,000 marginal wells.
People can find the location of oil and gas facilities near them by entering their address into maps at FracTracker.org.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 9, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?
‘The Hayden’ is back @babysmarche !! John Hayden himself took a trip to the Indian Wells staple for lunch and to chat with @chefjustinsnyder on how it became the most popular item on the menu! #TheHayden
🛑A bike ride ended in tragedy Monday night in Palm Springs. A bicyclist died after being struck by a car around 8:30 PM on E. Palm Canyon Dr. The driver stayed at the scene and police say there’s no indication of foul play or impairment. ❓Saw the crash or have video from the area? Call Palm Springs police at (760) 327–1441.
Social Time: Jerry sings the end! 🎶🎵
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings
119 jobs on the line and DRD’s General Manager won’t answer questions … Drop a comment 👇: Would you vote YES or NO on giving a district more money if they refuse to answer transparency questions? #therogginreport #drd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings