Judge Says Drakes Bay Oyster Co. Must Obey Coastal Commission Order
July 23, 2013 | 1 min to read
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — A Marin County Superior Court judge has ruled that the Drakes Bay Oyster Co. must obey a California Coastal Commission order for environmental protections, including removal of two invasive species, while it fights in federal court to avoid being shut down.
In the federal case, the oyster farm at Point Reyes National Seashore is challenging a 2012 decision by then-U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to deny it an extension of its permit. Salazar said the site should return to wilderness.
The farm's appeal is now pending before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has allowed the company to continue operating for the time being.
Superior Court Judge Lynn Duryee ruled last week in a separate case concerning two state court lawsuits, filed on April 5, in which the company and a citizens' group are asking her to overturn two Coastal Commission orders issued in February.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: KTVU