California high court says county can’t enforce oil well ban as state debates future of fossil fuels

By SOPHIE AUSTIN
Associated Press/Report for America

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California State Supreme Court has ruled that Monterey County cannot enforce a ban on new oil and gas wells. Proponents of the measure are hopeful the ruling will not apply to similar bans in other counties. The decision comes a day after environmental advocates launched a campaign to ask voters to ban new oil and gas wells near homes, schools and hospitals. The oil industry has already qualified for a referendum that could overturn a similar law. That means voters could see two competing measures about the policy on the November 2024 ballot.