FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2024

Proponent Withdraws Referendum Challenging 2022 Law Prohibiting New Oil and Gas Wells Near Homes, Schools, and Hospitals

Sacramento, Calif. – Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. announced today that a referendum eligible for the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot has been withdrawn by the proponent.

The Attorney General's official title and summary of the referendum is as follows: REFERENDUM CHALLENGING 2022 LAW PROHIBITING NEW OIL AND GAS WELLS NEAR HOMES, SCHOOLS, AND HOSPITALS. If the required number of registered voters sign this petition and it is timely filed, a 2022 law will not take effect unless approved at the next statewide general or special election after November 8, 2022. The challenged law:

• · Prohibits most new or modified oil and gas wells within 3,200 feet of specified locations, including housing, schools, daycares, parks, healthcare facilities, community resource centers, detention facilities, and businesses open to the public.
• · Requires existing wells in these areas meet specified health, safety, and environmental requirements by January 1, 2025.

Pursuant to Elections Code section 9604(b), proponents may withdraw a referendum at any time before the Secretary of State certifies it as qualified.

The proponent of the referendum is Jerome Reedy. He can be reached c/o Kurt R. Oneto of Nielsen Merksamer LLP. The address for Nielsen Merksamer LLP is 1415 L Street, Suite 1200, Sacramento, CA 95814. The proponent can also be reached at (916) 446-6752.

For more information about how a referendum qualifies for the ballot in California, visit https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/referendum/.