Center for Biological Diversity v. California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources

Several environmental groups commenced a lawsuit against the California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) alleging that the state has failed to properly oversee hydraulic fracturing operations. According to the complaint, the state’s Underground Injection Control program requires a division of DOGGR to regulate oil and natural gas fracking operations. The lawsuit sought to prohibit hydraulic fracturing of oil and natural gas wells until DOGGR took steps to regulate the wells and ensure that the operations posed no risks to public health or the environment.