Sacramento, Calif. – On September 25, 2024, Senate Bill 1425 by Majority Leader Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) to secure increased savings for an existing oil cleanup fund in Long Beach, was signed into law by Governor Newsom. This law will increase California’s monthly contribution toward covering the state’s liability for decommissioning oil operations in the Long Beach Tidelands. The state is responsible for over $1 billion in estimated remediation costs for these long-running oil operations. By reserving this greater amount of production revenues now, the state will be better prepared to cover oil cleanup costs, reduce future debt, and prevent these expenses from falling on taxpayers.  

“As California works toward its ambitious climate goals and strives to protect communities from oil drilling pollution, increasing savings while revenues are still being generated is a practical and forward-thinking approach,” said Majority Leader Gonzalez. “This law puts California on track to funding our obligation to pay for the safe cleanup and remediation of the oil operations in Long Beach. I am thankful to Mayor Richardson and our partners in Long Beach for helping advance this proactive legislation and to the Governor for signing it into law.” 

“SB 1425 is a critical step forward in ensuring that California prioritizes the resources necessary to responsibly decommission oil operations in Long Beach, and accelerate the City of Long Beach’s transition away from local oil production activities that impact the health of our neighborhoods,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Governor Newsom shares our commitment to climate action, and by signing SB 1425 into law, Long Beach and the State of California will continue to model the way on building a more climate-resilient environment and economy.”

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Majority Leader Gonzalez represents the 33rd Senate District, which encompasses the City of Long Beach and portions of South Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles, including the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, Signal Hill, and South Gate. In the Senate, she advocates for working families and champions various priorities, such as fighting for a clean environment, digital equity, LGBTQ+ and women's rights, and the economic prosperity of small businesses. Her landmark legislative achievements include bills enacted to end neighborhood oil drilling, provide broadband for all, and expand paid sick leave. Majority Leader Gonzalez also serves as Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. She lives in Long Beach with her family. To learn more about Majority Leader Gonzalez, visit her website at www.sen.ca.gov/gonzalez. 

Rex Richardson is a husband, father, and the 29th Mayor of Long Beach, California. Mayor Richardson’s history in Long Beach is grounded in empowering communities to have a seat at the table. Mayor Richardson has a distinguished record of public service. He serves on the Advisory Board of the United States Conference of Mayors and, regionally, is Chair of the LA County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency.