California Agency Rule Aims to Implement Oil Setback Distances

California’s top oil and gas regulator announced Monday it proposed emergency regulations to ensure a law takes effect to end drilling within 3200 feet of schools, businesses, and residences.

The regulations aim to carry out the law, S.B. 1137, and are set to take effect the first day of next year, despite an effort from oil and gas companies to delay its enforcement by bringing the issue to a state referendum on the 2024 election ballot.

• S.B. 1137 was a top environmental priority that Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) shepherded to passage toward the end of the state’s legislative session this ...