Judge Halts Oil Drilling at Megachurch for Now

SOUTHFIELD, MI – Just three days after state environmental regulators approved a permit allowing oil drilling on a Southfield church property, the city received a temporary restraining order barring drilling until a judge can rule on the plan.

In its petition, the city argued an oil well on the property would create a nuisance, increase pollution and harm the health and well-being of nearby residents. The city has imposed a moratorium on oil and gas drilling, and also argued that drilling would require the cutting of about 1.5 acres of trees.

See Also

• ‘Thou Shalt Not Drill’: Congregants Oppose Oil Exploration
• DEQ Gives Go-Ahead for Oil Drilling at Megachurch

"This court should stay the permit to stop an environmental and public health disaster in the City of Southfield," the city's complaint states.

» Photo via Wikimedia / Creative Commons