Ballona Wetlands Activists Hold Earth Day Protest

PLAYA DEL REY, CA — A group of Los Angeles environmentalists and activists joined an Earth Day protest, calling to stop a plan they say could damage the Ballona Wetlands, demanding SoCalGas shut down the Playa del Rey oil field.

Activists argue they want to focus on moving into clean and renewable energy — and away from fossil fuels and environmental threats.

"I have been on the frontlines for years working to defend the species who thrive in the wetlands, ensuring that oil and gas don’t take over and destroy our environment," said Molly Basler, candidate for Los Angeles City Council, District 5, and Climate Reality leader.

"It’s time to shut down SoCalGas and move into clean and 100% renewable energy," Basler said.

The project at the Ballona Wetlands was approved in December 2020 by the the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The agency approved one option to restore the wetlands but opted not to put a parking garage or visitor center at some of the last remaining marshes along the Los Angeles coast.

Six ongoing lawsuits are now tied to the project. Some think the project could actually cause more environmental disruptions than good. The Playa del Rey oil field sits at the Ballona Wetlands — near the project location.

Westside residents are also demanding that Los Angeles leaders shut down the Playa del Rey oil storage facility located at the Ballona Wetlands before a blowout happens. The facility is run by SoCalGas, and could threaten the region if a blowout happens, just like the Aliso Canyon site. Aliso Canyon, also known as Porter Ranch, is where one of the largest gas blowouts in the history of the U.S. happened in 2015.

The Culver City Council and Los Angeles City Councilmembers Mike Bonin and Paul Koretz have pressured Southern California Gas Company to close its facility, saying that the area is heavily populated and the site could present danger for residents.

"We are grateful for the leadership of especially Mike Bonin and also Paul Koretz in working to make it clear to the Governor that the City of Los Angeles wants this dangerous, toxic methane gas storage facility shut down," Marcia Hanscom, a co-director of the Ballona Institute who also chairs the Sierra Club's Ballona Wetlands Restoration Committee, told Patch.

"It's time for Governor Newsom to take his foot off the gas and to include weaning the state off of methane gas emissions - emissions we now know are huge contributors to the greenhouse gas problems leading to climate change impacts," Hanscom said.

SEE MORE:

• The Battle Over Protecting Ballona Wetlands — And If They Need It
• Here's What Could Happen To The Ballona Wetlands
• SoCalGas Threatens Ballona Wetlands Activist With Arrest
• Photos: Activists Protest At Ballona Wetlands, Demand Entry
• Groups Challenge Restoration Plan For Ballona Wetlands
• Is It Time To Shut Down The Playa Del Rey Oil Storage Facility?
• RELATED: Brush Fire Burns 5 Acres At Wetlands, Oil Field In Playa Del Rey