Justice Department Files Complaint Against California Over Unconstitutional State Regulation of Federal Lands

Today, the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California challenging California Senate Bill 1137 (SB 1137), which prevents oil and gas development activities within 3,200 feet of a so-called "sensitive receptor." SB 1137 would knock out about one-third of all federally authorized oil and gas leases in California. This lawsuit argues that federal law - specifically, the Mineral Leasing Act and the Federal Land and Policy Management Act - preempts SB 1137.

President Trump directed the Department of Justice to stop the enforcement of state laws that unreasonably burden domestic energy development so that energy will once again be reliable and affordable for all Americans. This lawsuit advances President Trump's directive in Executive Order 14260, Protecting American Energy from State Overreach.

"This is yet another unconstitutional and radical policy from Gavin Newsom that threatens our country's energy independence and makes energy more expensive for the American people," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "In accordance with President Trump's executive orders, this Department of Justice will continue to fight burdensome regulations that violate federal law and hamper domestic energy production - especially in California, where Newsom is clearly intent on subverting federal law at every opportunity."

"The Constitution forbids states from obstructing federal energy policies," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of ENRD. "California's SB 1137 violates federal law and threatens our nation's energy independence. In challenging it, we seek to protect the security and wellbeing of all Americans from California's unlawful overreach."

"Rolling back this law strengthens America's energy security and protects hardworking American families from higher costs," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "This administration is pushing back against every burdensome, unlawful rule that tries to stand in the way of U.S. energy production. Americans deserve reliable, affordable energy, and Interior is committed to fighting for it every step of the way. Thanks to President Trump's executive orders, we have the tools to do so."

The lawsuit seeks a declaration that SB 1137 is unconstitutional and an injunction against its enforcement. The Department plans to move for a preliminary injunction in the coming days.