A former top state oil regulator is appealing a judge’s dismissal of his retaliation suit in which he alleged he was forced out by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration because he objected to orders that he implement a law that was about to be placed on hold because of an industry-funded voter referendum.

Former State Oil and Gas Supervisor Uduak-Joe Ntuk alleged in the Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit brought in September 2023 that he was compelled to resign a little more than a week after filing a whistleblower complaint with the state Department of Conservation. Ntuk also raised concerns about the legality of a plan to halt all new drilling permits statewide without the proper authority.

On Thursday, Ntuk’s attorneys filed court papers appealing Judge Gail Killefer’s Aug. 29 ruling gra

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