"In June, CalGEM violated SB 1137 (Gonzalez)—the public health setback law of 3,200 feet between drilling and communities—hours after the ban on community drilling took effect when the oil industry withdrew its referendum to overturn the law. CalGEM approved 17 permits within the setback zone," the groups wrote. "In addition, CalGEM is failing to implement state law requiring adequate bonding for oil wells under California Resource Corporation's (CRC) recently completed acquisition of Aera Energy, making the company California's top holder of idle wells–wells that no longer produce oil and could soon become orphan," they continued. "The Orphan Well Prevention Act requires that drillers who acquire the 'right to operate' a low-producing or idle well be responsible for full bonding but CalGEM is refusing to apply the law."