Justice Department Sues California Over Oil Well Setback Law (1)

A California law that mandates a 3,200 foot buffer between an oil well and a school, home, or other sensitive sites illegally blocks oil and gas development on federal lands, the Justice Department claims in a lawsuit filed Wednesday against the state.

The lawsuit challenges California Senate Bill 1137, which imposed the buffer when it became law in 2022. The law requires the 3,200 foot setback between oil and gas wells and “sensitive receptors” as a way to protect residents and students from air pollution and other environmental effects of oil and gas operations.

The Trump administration claims SB ...