A lawsuit is underway in California, which could reshape energy production and property rights in the Golden State.
In 2022, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (S.B.) 1137 into law, which prohibited oil and gas development within 3,200 feet of “health protection zones,” including schools, homes, and hospitals. With the bill, California established the strictest setback limits in the nation—a title that was once held by Colorado, which prohibits fossil fuel drilling within 2,000 feet of homes and schools.
S.B. 1137, which went into effect in 2024, was sold as a solution to wean the state off fossil fuels and reduce pollution. Newsom described it as necessary to “protect California families.” But not all Californians share the governor’s sentiment. Last week, siblings John and Melinda Morgan filed a lawsuit against the state challenging S.B. 1137…