Revised Oil Well Ordinance (ROWO)

The Revised Oil Well Ordinance aims to phase out oil production in unincorporated Los Angeles County by amending key county codes to prohibit new oil wells and production facilities, reclassifying existing ones as nonconforming uses subject to amortization, and modifying operational standards during the transition period. These changes align with broader sustainability and environmental justice objectives by eliminating legal pathways for new oil development and gradually reducing the presence of active oil infrastructure. The ordinance also updates the Baldwin Hills Community Standards District to mirror the countywide restrictions, ensuring consistent enforcement across all affected areas. In addition, the ordinance amends the County Environmental Protection Code to remove noise exemptions previously granted to oil wells, reinforcing community health protections and reducing environmental burdens on nearby residential areas. Comprehensive revisions to the County General Plan further embed this phase-out strategy into long-term land use policy, reinforcing the county’s commitment to a cleaner, more equitable future. The changes are supported by regional planning staff and coordinated through a designated point of contact responsible for implementation, public engagement, and regulatory compliance, signaling a decisive shift away from fossil fuel extraction in favor of environmentally responsible development.