Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Closure of Oil Wells in Carrizo Plain National Monument
Introduction
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif.― The Bureau of Land Management late Wednesday ordered an oil company to permanently close and remove 11 long-dormant oil wells inside the Carrizo Plain National Monument, a unique landscape in central California famous for its vibrant springtime wildflower displays and rare wildlife.
Legal Agreement and Lawsuit Resolution
The order was part of a legal agreement signed by the BLM and conservation groups one year ago. The agreement resolved a 2020 lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s approval of a new oil well and pipeline in the national monument.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
This order aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- Goal 14: Life Below Water – Protecting the wildlife and habitats in Carrizo Plain National Monument contributes to the conservation of marine life and ecosystems.
- Goal 15: Life on Land – The closure of oil wells and restoration of natural conditions in the monument helps preserve terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Goal 13: Climate Action – By eliminating ongoing pollution from oil wells, this action contributes to mitigating climate change.
Quotes from Conservation Groups
- “This order is a giant step toward restoring the landscape in Carrizo Plain National Monument,” said ForestWatch Executive Director Jeff Kuyper. “It forges a new era of conservation for this treasured place and will protect wildlife, nearby communities, and our climate from ongoing pollution. We hope the work is completed as soon as possible.”
- “This is a place for wildflowers, California condors and kit foxes, not oil wells,” said Ileene Anderson, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “It’s wonderful to see the fossil fuel era coming to an end here, which will benefit all the rare plants and animals of this stunning landscape. Now we need to phase out fossil fuel extraction throughout California and the country to have any hope of leaving a livable planet for future generations.”
Requirements and Timeline
The order requires the oil company, E&B Natural Resources of Bakersfield, to plug and abandon 11 oil wells that have not produced oil in decades. It also calls for reclamation of the oil pads and more than 2.5 miles of access roads, returning those areas to natural conditions, as well as removing pipelines, powerlines, and other infrastructure. The work must be completed by 2028.
Background on Lawsuit
In 2020, Los Padres ForestWatch and the Center for Biological Diversity sued the BLM after the agency approved a permit for a new well and pipeline. The lawsuit argued that the proposed fossil fuel extraction would harm threatened and endangered wildlife, mar scenic views, and violate the monument’s resource-management plan, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
Importance of Carrizo Plain National Monument
The Carrizo Plain National Monument is a vast expanse of golden grasslands and stark ridges known for their springtime wildflower displays. It is one of the last undeveloped remnants of the southern San Joaquin Valley ecosystem and plays a critical role in the long-term conservation of this dwindling ecosystem.
The monument’s high biodiversity, limited human impacts, and rare geological and cultural features led to its designation as a national monument in 2001. It encompasses more than 206,000 acres of public lands, making it perhaps the largest native grassland remaining in all of California.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the closure and removal of oil wells in the Carrizo Plain National Monument to protect wildlife, nearby communities, and the climate from ongoing pollution. This aligns with SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Additionally, the restoration of the landscape and the protection of wildlife in the national monument contribute to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
The closure and removal of oil wells in the Carrizo Plain National Monument contribute to the target of integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (SDG 13.2). By permanently closing these wells, the article highlights efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of fossil fuel extraction on the climate.
The restoration of the landscape and the protection of wildlife in the national monument align with the target of ensuring the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services (SDG 15.1). By removing infrastructure and returning areas to natural conditions, the article emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity and maintaining the ecological integrity of the Carrizo Plain National Monument.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of policies, strategies, and plans that integrate climate change measures.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Area of protected areas managed using ecosystem-based approaches.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, the closure and removal of oil wells can be seen as a policy measure that integrates climate change measures, contributing to progress towards SDG 13.2. The restoration of the landscape and the protection of wildlife in the national monument can be considered ecosystem-based approaches to managing protected areas, indicating progress towards SDG 15.1.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Number of policies, strategies, and plans that integrate climate change measures. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Area of protected areas managed using ecosystem-based approaches. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: biologicaldiversity.org
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