Judge rejects city's bid to stop oil drilling on church land

SOUTHFIELD (AP) — A judge has rejected a Detroit suburb’s bid to stop oil and gas drilling on land owned by a church.

The Detroit Free Press reports Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren on Monday sided with Word of Faith International Christian Center and Jordan Development Co.

Warren said the state, not the city of Southfield, has the authority to regulate oil and gas development. He added that Southfield’s zoning ordinance limiting drilling cannot take precedence over the statewide system of regulation.

The state supervisor of wells in March approved Jordan Development’s permit request with numerous operational conditions.

Mayor Ken Siver says he’s disappointed with the ruling and wants to appeal.

The church says money coming from the project will be used for good works.