The movement to ban fracking is winning victories across the U.S. Yet the campaign has largely failed to win where it matters most—in places oil and natural gas are produced. A Nov. 8 ballot measure will test that pattern in Monterey County, famed for its farms and scenic coastline. Two counties bordering Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz, have banned fracking, although neither has a sizable oil industry. Monterey’s San Ardo oil field has been churning out crude for nearly 70 years, and the county has no ban. Measure Z, an initiative on Monterey County’s ballot, seeks to ban fracking and new wells, and to restrict how oil companies use water byproducts. The measure is being closely watched by national groups on both sides. Its supporters have received donations and other help from […]