Governors This Week: Oil Drilling Bans, Broadband Expansion, New Unemployment Rules & More

CA Regulators Move to Ban Oil Drilling Near Homes:

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) proposed new regulations on Thursday that would ban drilling new oil or gas wells near residential neighborhoods.

Under the proposal, new wells could not be closer than 3,200 feet from homes, schools or health facilities. Existing wells within that zone would be allowed to continue, but would come under strict new controls, including comprehensive leak detection and response plans, vapor recovery, water sampling and a reduction of nighttime lighting and dust.

The proposal came from a 15-person panel comprised of health and science experts who looked at setback regulations in other states as well as studies that show living within close proximity to oil and gas drilling sites can elevate numerous health risks, including cancer, birth defects and respiratory troubles.

Newsom referenced those issues in announcing the proposal.

“Our reliance on fossil fuels has resulted in more kids getting asthma, more children born with birth defects, and more communities exposed to toxic, dangerous chemicals. California is taking a significant step to protect the more than two million residents who live within a half-mile of oil drilling sites, many in low-income and communities of color,” he said in a statement. “We are committed to protecting public health, the economy, and our environment as we transition to a greener future that reckons with the realities of the climate crisis we’re all facing.”

Newsom has also ordered the California Air Resources Board to study how the state can end all oil drilling by 2045.  The proposal will now be opened to public comment for 60 days, after which it will undergo an in-depth economic analysis. (CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LOS ANGELES TIMES, ASSOCIATED PRESS)

IA Gov Imposes New Unemployment Rules:

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) has announced several new requirements for Hawkeye State residents drawing unemployment benefits, including that they meet weekly with state case managers, conduct twice as many weekly work searches and undergo audits to prove they’re actively looking for work. The governor said there is no effective date yet, but the hope is the new rules will go into place by next year. (DES MOINES REGISTER, ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MI Gov Proposes $32 Million Police Retention Plan:

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) unveiled a $32 million proposal to support police training, mental health care and other resources she said will help officers effectively fight crime. The proposal is part of the $75 million MI Safe Communities framework she first announced in July. That framework is intended to utilize federal COVID-19 relief funds to minimize a drastic Wolverine State court backlog, expand resources for law enforcement and invest in jobs programs, counseling and education. (MLIVE.COM)

WV Gov Announces Broadband Expansion:

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced a plan to expand broadband access to 200,000 additional Mountain State homes and businesses. The proposal would access a range of state and federal funds, including federal COVID-19 relief dollars, allocated through competitive programs that draw additional matching funds from private sector and local governments. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

PA Gov Calls for Better Worker Wages & Benefits:

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) said the Keystone State should address its worker shortage by raising the minimum wage, implementing paid sick leave, and better protecting workers. Wolf called on lawmakers to raise the state’s $7.25 minimum wage to at least $12 an hour and extend Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards to all public sector employees. “If you want to get good results, you’ve got to pay for it,” Wolf told reporters. “There’s nothing you get for free and that includes a good, successful company. You need to treat your workers, the engine of your company, fairly.” (BRADFORD ERA)

 --Compiled by RICH EHISEN