Gov. Brown had state workers research oil on family ranch

Gov. Jerry Brown had state oil and gas regulators investigate the oil and gas drilling potential of his family land in Northern California.

State records obtained by The Associated Press through open-records laws show that Brown and his aides last year directed state employees in preparing a 51-page geological and drilling report and satellite and geological map at the Brown family ranch near the town of Williams.

California law bars elected officials from using public resources for personal purposes.

California’s Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources Division says the work it did on Brown’s ranch drew on public records and insists it was legal.

But state oil industry professionals say they cannot recall seeing state oil and gas regulators assess and map anyone’s personal property like that before.

Brown and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon blamed oil companies this month for killing a part of some state legislation that would have cut petroleum use in half by 2030.

The scaled-back SB350 boosts renewable electricity use and makes existing buildings more energy-efficient.