A California property owner wants to drill a well to extract oil and gas from beneath their land. Which state agency has primary authority to issue the required drilling permits and inspect operations?
Correct Answer
A) The California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)
CalGEM (formerly DOGGR — Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources) is the state agency responsible for regulating the drilling, operation, and abandonment of oil, gas, and geothermal wells in California under Public Resources Code §3000 et seq. CalGEM issues all required well permits, conducts inspections, and enforces regulations to protect public health, safety, and environmental resources.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
A nonconforming use is a property use that was legally established before a zoning change but no longer complies with the current zoning ordinance. It is commonly called a "grandfathered" use.
A planned unit development (PUD) is a zoning classification that allows mixed land uses (residential, commercial, recreational) within a single development with flexible zoning standards. Homeowners typically own their lot and share common areas.
Police power is the government's authority to enact laws and regulations to protect the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare. It is the broadest power government has over private property.
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