OC Action
California oil industry drops ballot challenge to law that bans drilling near homes, schools BY ARI PLACHTA UPDATED JUNE 27, 2024 9:25 AM
A California oil industry group said Wednesday it would withdraw an initiative from the November ballot challenging a state law that bans drilling within 3,200 feet from homes, schools and businesses. Instead, the California Independent Petroleum Association said it would challenge the law in court.
The Assembly elections committee today approved a pared-back version of a bill that would have created an automatic voter registration system in California, with some cautious “yes” votes and continued concerns from opponents.
Senate Bill 299 by Sen. Monique Limón would have changed the current “opt-out” system of voter registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles to one where someone applying for a driver’s license or ID would be automatically registered if eligible and notified after — a system in place in 11 other states.
The bill was amended to take a step back, and instead just allow the Secretary of State to create a list of people “preapproved for registration” — those of voting age who have provided the DMV with proof of citizenship.
The California Supreme Court sided with Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders in the Legislature on the constitutionality of a sweeping anti-tax measure, ruling today that it cannot go before voters in November.
The business community-sponsored initiative, formally known as the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, broadly aimed to make it more challenging to raise taxes in California, including by requiring the Legislature to seek approval from the voters for any new or higher state tax.