The City of Arvin Planning Commission hosted a special meeting Tuesday June 12, approving changes to the city's oil and gas ordinance. The proposal will now head to the full city council for approval and will then be enacted.
The proposal focuses on where new derricks can be built, especially in relation to the city's growing population. Arvin first adopted oil regulations more than 50 years ago in 1965, and Tuesday's meeting comes as the city's population has quadrupled in size.
The city is proposing banning new operations near residential areas, schools and medical facilities, as well as imposing tougher requirements for new wells in other parts of town. They are also looking to make oil companies pay for expenses the city incurs reviewing, approving and monitoring new wells under the new regulations.
The Arvin City Council is expected to vote on the proposal during their July meeting.
