Get the news that matters to all Californians. Start every week informed.The decision to withdraw the ballot measure means that state rules protecting homes and schools near oil and gas wells will go into effect. The companies instead will fight them in court.
The oil industry, which spent $20 million collecting signatures to put the measure on the November ballot, withdrew its initiative just before the deadline today. Instead the companies say they will challenge the law in court. But oil industry groups say the referendum was mischaracterized by environmental groups. They said the setback law will eliminate jobs, drive up gas prices and increase California’s dependence on imported oil.
Once the initiative is officially withdrawn with the Secretary of State’s office, the state’s setback rules will take effect. Operators of existing wells within the buffer zones must develop safety plans by 2025 and implement them by 2027.