Top California Oil Regulator Resigns, Scrutinized Over Contamination Of Water Supply
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF/AP) -- A top California oil and gas regulator has resigned amid questions about oilfield contamination of the state's water supplies.
Mark Nechedom, head of the Department of Conservation, submitted his resignation Thursday, and the state confirmed it on Friday.
Nechedom gave no reason in his resignation letter but spoke of directing the department during a "difficult time."
Nechedom's three-year term at the department saw a federal investigation into improper state permitting of oil-industry operations in what were supposed to be off-limits water aquifers.
State officials had no immediate comment Friday.
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