L.A. County sues oil giants over 227 leaking wells in Inglewood Oil Field
Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against four major oil and gas companies over unplugged wells in the Inglewood Oil Field. The legal action targets Sentinel Peak Resources California, Freeport-McMoran Oil & Gas, Plains Resources, and Chevron U.S.A., accusing them of neglecting at least 227 idle or exhausted wells. Authorities claim these wells are leaking harmful pollutants into the surrounding environment.
The area is densely populated, with over a million residents living within five miles of the oil field. Many of these communities have reported health problems linked to exposure, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The lawsuit alleges that the companies failed to properly seal the wells, allowing toxic substances to contaminate the air, soil, and water. County officials are seeking civil penalties of up to £2,500 per day for each well found in violation. A court order is also being pursued to force the operators to plug the wells and mitigate pollution risks.
This legal challenge is part of a broader push by L.A. County to reduce oil drilling activities. Earlier proposals included a ban on new wells and a phased shutdown of existing ones over the next two decades. Residents, particularly in low-income and minority neighbourhoods, have long raised concerns about the health impacts of living near active and abandoned oil sites. Records show that multiple firms have been involved in managing the wells over the years. Alongside the defendants, companies like Allenco Energy, Halliburton, and Baker Hughes have provided services for plugging and maintenance. Local contractors, including California Well Services, have also worked on the site under the direction of field operators.
If successful, the lawsuit could compel the companies to clean up the wells and pay significant fines. The case also reinforces the county’s ongoing efforts to transition away from oil production. Residents and officials alike are watching closely, as the outcome may set a precedent for environmental accountability in the region.
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