Oil and gas: water quality.
The enforcement mechanisms established by AB 1328 include penalties for failing to disclose required information, essentially raising the stakes for compliance among oil and gas operators. Specifically, the bill imposes civil liabilities for individuals or entities that ignore reporting requirements or falsify documentation, thereby enhancing accountability. Furthermore, it adds protections for trade secret disclosures while still ensuring that vital information about hazardous chemicals remains accessible to the necessary regulatory bodies and, in turn, the public. This dual approach aims to balance the interests of environmental safety and the operational concerns of the oil and gas industry.
Assembly Bill 1328, which was approved by the Governor on October 13, 2017, seeks to amend the Water Code in relation to the regulation of oil and gas activities concerning the protection of water quality. This legislation empowers both the State Water Resources Control Board and regional water quality control boards to conduct investigations into the quality of state waters, particularly focusing on the discharge of wastewater from oil and gas fields. The bill mandates that entities responsible for such discharges provide comprehensive information regarding all chemicals involved in the discharged wastewater, allowing for increased scrutiny and transparency in the management of water resources affected by oil and gas operations.
The reception surrounding AB 1328 is generally positive among environmental advocates and regulatory bodies, who view the bill as a significant leap towards improved water protection standards. However, there has been contention from oil and gas industry representatives who argue that stringent disclosure requirements could disadvantage competitive business practices and threaten proprietary information. The bill has led to discussions on the adequacy of current regulations and the need for further refinement in the balance between environmental protection and economic vitality.
One of the major points of contention regarding AB 1328 is the requirement for thorough chemical disclosure, which some industry stakeholders perceive as unnecessarily burdensome. They argue that the demand for comprehensive chemical data could be used against them competitively and may not significantly enhance environmental protections. Conversely, proponents assert that such transparency is critical in safeguarding public health and environmental integrity, particularly given the potential risks associated with drilling and wastewater management. The ongoing debate reflects broader discussions about regulation and industry responsibility in the context of resource extraction.