About Us

naro california

NARO California is a chapter of the National Association of Royalty Owners. Since 1980 NARO has been the ONLY national organization representing, solely and without compromise, mineral, oil & gas royalty owners’ interests.

Our Mission

Advancing Energy. Protecting Ownership.

The mission of NARO is to encourage and promote exploration and production of minerals, oil and gas in the United States while preserving, protecting, advancing and representing the interests and rights of mineral and royalty owners through education, advocacy and assistance to our members, to NARO chapter organizations, to government bodies and to the public.

Recruit

We welcome mineral, oil and gas, royalty owners with holdings in Calfornia to join our network and support increasing California energy production.

educate

NARO California distributes valuable information via our regular newsletter, action alerts to advocate on state and local issues, and educational materials to keep mineral, oil and gas, royalty owners in the know.

advocate

NARO-CA fights alongside other groups on issues that affect the oil and gas industry in California. The unique perspective of mineral, oil and gas, royalty owners will help strengthen our position to produce the energy California needs in California.

Key Accomplishments

Protecting Royalty Owners' Property Rights and Income

2014

Defeated Measure P (Santa Barbara County)

Ballot initiative to ban high-intensity oil operations (fracking, acidizing, cyclic steam). NARO-CA joined broad opposition with oil operators, chambers of commerce, and local stakeholders. Voters rejected it 62% to 38% (November 2014). Prevented production shutdowns in a major royalty area.

2016-2023

Overturned Measure Z (Monterey County)

Voter-passed ban on new wells, fracking, and wastewater injection. NARO-CA filed suit with 84 royalty owner plaintiffs (many local farmers); Ed Renwick argued state preemption under Public Resources Code §3106. Coalition included Chevron, Aera Energy, CRC, and others. Won at trial (2017), on appeal, and unanimous California Supreme Court ruling (August 2023) that state law preempts local bans. Set statewide precedent protecting mineral rights from similar local overreach.

2018

Defeated Measure G (San Luis Obispo County)

Initiative to ban fracking, well stimulation, and new extraction in unincorporated areas. NARO-CA opposed as part of industry and stakeholder coalition. Voters rejected it 55.7% to 44.3% (November 2018). Preserved royalty income and ongoing operations.

2020-2024

Settlement on Ventura County General Plan Restrictions

Challenged 2020 rules (expanded setbacks, trucking/flaring limits) threatening thousands of wells. NARO-CA supported lawsuits with operators (Aera, CRC, Western States Petroleum Association) and royalty groups. Settled in 2023; board approved changes April 2024—eased trucking and flaring restrictions (allowed when pipelines not feasible), suits dropped. Avoided total shutdown, maintained production and royalties.

2024

Struck Down Los Angeles City Oil Drilling Ban

City's 2022 ordinance banned new drilling and phased out existing ops over 20 years. NARO-CA supported challenge (petition/writ); coalition included operators and royalty interests. LA Superior Court ruled September 2024 (Judge Curtis Kin) that state law preempts local control on production methods. Key parts invalidated—protected urban mineral rights and future royalty value.

Ongoing

Federal Challenge to SB 1137 Setback Law (Filed 2026)

State law (effective 2024) bans new wells within 3,200 feet of homes/schools/hospitals, sterilizing land and wiping out royalty value. NARO-CA partnered with Pacific Legal Foundation; lead plaintiffs are NARO-CA members (Santa Barbara royalty owners John and Melinda Morgan). Suit argues unconstitutional taking under Fifth Amendment—no compensation for lost property rights. Active in federal court, shows continued coalition push against statewide threats.

About us