The Los Angeles Superior Court this week ruled in Culver City's favor in its efforts to place a temporary hold (moratorium) on new oil well drilling while the City develops the regulations necessary to protect the public health and safety and the environment.
The Court denied a motion filed by Plains Exploration and Production Company (PXP) for a preliminary injunction finding that the City is likely to prevail against PXP at trial because the moratorium is both lawful and factually supported.
During the moratorium, the City will work to develop regulations that will protect the City from the significant environmental impacts from PXP's drilling operations. Such impacts have been documented in the environmental impact report prepared by the County of Los Angeles for that portion of the Inglewood Oil Field located within the County's boundaries.
Despite PXP's efforts to commence drilling without these regulations and safeguards, the City will reach out to PXP to work cooperatively toward developing new regulations, the City announced.
The City Council has stated that it wants the new ordinance to balance the rights of existing operators and future applicants who wish to operate in the Oil Field with the preservation of the health, safety and welfare of the communities surrounding the Oil Field, including Culver City and the region.
For more information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 310-253-6000.
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