SACRAMENTO, California — An oil industry group is withdrawing its ballot challenge to a California law that bans drilling within 3,200 feet of homes, businesses and schools, the group announced Wednesday.
The California Independent Petroleum Association said it would remove the measure from the ballot by Thursday’s deadline to submit or withdraw initiatives. The organization said it plans to sue over the law instead.
“While CIPA is confident in its ability to be successful at the ballot box, we also recognize the likelihood of the Legislature simply introducing other similar bills,” the group said in an announcement. “Therefore, judicial intervention is necessary to truly resolve this matter.”
The decision means the 2022 law — which was on pause pending a keep-or-overturn decision from the state’s voters — will take effect after the initiative is withdrawn.
