California Suspends Law Banning Oil Drilling Near Homes And Schools

SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: An oil pumpjack stands idle near homes as people walk with dogs on February 09, 2023 in Signal Hill, California. California law S.B. 1137, which required a safety buffer zone of 3,200 feet around homes and schools for new oil and gas drilling, was suspended after the petroleum industry collected enough signatures in a petition campaign to place a referendum on the 2024 general election ballot. The bill was originally signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last year and also banned new drilling near parks, health care facilities, prisons and businesses open to the public. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)