![](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9046f80/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6720x3528+0+476/resize/1200x630!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fff%2Fe1%2Fa09c3ab3409e888285d1ec8d0c01%2Fla-photos-1staff-533280-me-0229-taft-oil-coronavirus-02-cmc.jpg)
California lawmaker warns of 'financial catastrophe' if oil well rules aren't enforced
The California Department of Conservation is facing heavy criticism after it determined a colossal merger of two oil and gas companies is exempt from a state law designed to ensure depleted wells are eventually plugged. The Orphan Wells Prevention Act — …