Measure Z group gains more ground against oil company lawsuits

A controversial measure in Monterey County is gaining more ground in the courtroom. On Friday, a judge gave one group the green light to join the defense against lawsuits filed by two oil companies against Measure Z.

After about two hours of back and forth, Judge Thomas Wills granted Protect Monterey County (PMC), also known as Yes on Z, permission to join the fight over lawsuits filed by Aera Energy and Chevron against Monterey County.

Both companies are suing because Measure Z, passed by voters in November, places a ban on fracking and other oil drilling methods.

The judge is allowing PMC to collaborate with the county because it was fully involved in the measure and took the lead putting it on the ballot.

“It is Protect Monterey that developed the measure, that spent much of its time and resources on developing the measure and as a result it has its own interest in making sure that the measure is fully implemented,” said Michael Geibelson with Protect Monterey County.

Now the county said now having PMC on board will bring more power to the defense.

“It will bring a perspective from the grassroots from the people on the ground the citizens behind the measure that may go beyond just the legal perspective that I would see as the attorney for the county,” said Monterey County Counsel Charles McKee.

But Aera and Chevron said they oppose PMC joining the county’s defense.

“This is a case that is about the taking and the protection of their property rights here in Monterey County and what Measure Z does on its face is in our view unconstitutional,” said Aera Energy attorney Andrew Bassak.

Bay Area-based, Center for Biological Diversity also petitioned to intervene in the case. But the judge denied that request saying the group didn’t have as big of an impact getting the measure off the ground.