California releases plan to phase out fracking, ending three-year de facto ban

After three years of halted fracking activity, Governor Newsom’s California Geologic Energy Management Division unveiled its proposal to phase out fracking in the state formally. The plan aims to discontinue the issuance of new fracking permits to curb greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard the well-being of California’s residents, wildlife, air, and land.

The announcement follows more than a decade of advocacy efforts from various groups across the state and nation, urging California’s governors to cease the hazardous practice of fracking.