L.A. Judge Overturns City Oil Drilling Ban

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has ruled that the state, rather than the city, has jurisdiction over oil drilling operations, striking down Los Angeles' ban on new oil and gas extraction. Judge Curtis A. Kin's ruling invalidates a local law enacted in 2022 that aimed to phase out all oil production within the city over 20 years, citing a California Supreme Court decision that prioritized state regulations. The ruling was made in response to a lawsuit from oil companies, highlighting ongoing tensions between local and state authority regarding drilling practices. However, this decision may soon be superseded if Governor Gavin Newsom signs Assembly Bill 3233, which would grant local governments the power to regulate oil drilling. Activists argue that oil drilling disproportionately impacts low-income communities of color, raising concerns about health risks associated with living near oil wells. Los Angeles officials have the option to appeal the ruling as they await the governor's decision on the proposed legislation.