Protect Monterey County and its attorneys will appeal the Monterey County Superior Court decision that overturns portions of Measure Z. Last year Monterey County voters passed Measure Z, an initiative that bans hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), prohibits new oil wells and phases out oil-industry wastewater injection wells.

The court’s decision leaves the fracking ban in place, holding that oil-industry plaintiffs lack standing to challenge it. However, the decision strikes down the ban on new oil and gas wells and wastewater injection, finding these portions are “preempted,” or disallowed, by state and federal law. “We will appeal this decision,” said Dr. Laura Solorio, president of Protect Monterey County. “We’re confident that a higher court will uphold Measure Z in full and affirm the right of communities to protect themselves from risky oil operations. California law provides local governments with broad authority to protect our air, water and health.”

Measure Z is a citizens’ initiative Protect Monterey County’s volunteers placed on the November 2016 ballot. Oil companies launched a $5.4 million multimedia campaign to stop Measure Z. Despite being outspent 18 to 1, the thousands of Protect Monterey County volunteers prevailed, and Measure Z won with 56 percent of the vote.

Read More: Protect Monterey County to Appeal Court Decision on Measure Z | Petition: Appeal the Court Decision on Measure Z

Related Feature: Monterey Becomes California's First Major Oil-Producing County to Ban Fracking