#Clean Energy #Oil Drilling #CalGEM

Rising Permits Amidst California's Clean Energy Transition

In a startling turn of events, California's oil regulation landscape witnessed a significant spike in drilling permit approvals within the first weeks of January 2026. The California Energy Management Division (CalGEM) issued more permits for new drilling activities in just three weeks than in all of 2025—a concerning statistic that appears to undermine the state's efforts toward a cleaner energy future.

A Shift in Permit Approvals

According to a detailed analysis from Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance, 2025 saw a dramatic decline in drilling permit approvals—from 73 in the previous year to just 17. However, the beginning of 2026 brought a new reality, with CalGEM approving 20 new drilling permits by the end of January. This surge raises alarms among environmental advocates who worry that California's transition to cleaner energy is being compromised by powerful industry interests.

Industry and Legislative Challenges

The new permit approvals are not solely a reflection of changing regulatory practices; they also signal a potential shift in Governor Gavin Newsom’s stance on fossil fuel production. As noted by Kyle Ferrar, the Western Program Director at FracTracker Alliance, various pressures from state laws promoting drilling, federal plans facilitating oil and gas activities, and industry lawsuits are converging to threaten California's strides toward reducing fossil fuel reliance. The implications of these approvals extend far beyond regulatory numbers—they represent a significant threat to public health and the environment, particularly for vulnerable communities.

Health Risks to Communities

Communities in Kern County, recognized as the heart of California's oil production, face dire consequences as drilling activities escalate.