#United States #Los Angeles #Consumer Watchdog #Gavin Newsom #California Oil

California's Oil Drilling Landscape: A Fluctuating Future

In the heart of California's fight against climate change, recent developments regarding oil drilling permits have stirred significant concern among environmental activists and residents alike. As of the second quarter of 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom's administration has effectively paused all new drilling permits for oil and gas, continuing a trend that has seen a considerable decline in fossil fuel development throughout the state. However, this apparent progress faces potential reversal due to new legislative proposals that could allow for the approval of up to 4,700 new oil well permits in Kern County alone within the next year.

The current status of oil drilling in California is reflective of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability and a necessary pivot from fossil fuels, a commitment that Newsom has attempted to uphold since taking office. While more than 18,000 oil and gas permits have been approved since January 2019, the numbers of newly approved drilling permits have plummeted from 2,366 in 2019 to a concerning low of just 73 in 2024. In the first half of 2025, only four new permits were granted, suggesting a firm stance against oil expansion.

However, this welcome trend is now in jeopardy as Kern County officials have recently approved a controversial oil and gas ordinance. This new regulation could potentially greenlight approximately 2,700 oil wells annually in unincorporated areas of the county, based on a streamlined environmental impact report (EIR). Previous attempts at similar legislation have been halted by courts that cited insufficient evaluations of critical environmental risks, including air and water contamination, noise pollution, cancer risk assessments, and impacts on farmland.

The critical decision now lies with Governor Newsom, who must choose whether to bolster CalGEM's authority to deny permits requiring comprehensive environmental reviews or allow a fast-tracking process that circumvents such scrutiny. Liza Tucker, a consumer advocate for Consumer Watchdog, has voiced strong opposition to the ordinance, warning that its enactment would represent a significant step backward in California's climate policy. She asserts that the potential proliferation of oil wells threatens not only California's climate goals but also complicates Newsom's dedication to a sustainable environmental legacy.

Kyle Ferrar, the Western Program Director at FracTracker Alliance, shares similar sentiments, emphasizing that while California is on the brink of becoming a climate leader, achieving parity with countries aggressively investing in renewable energy remains a challenge. Continuing the extraction of oil and gas must be curtailed, with a corresponding expansion in investments toward renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Despite the lack of new drilling permits in recent months, CalGEM has sanctioned four permits for underground gas storage wells, all located within a protective buffer from surrounding communities. This aspect of permitting remains a concern as it could lead to increased drilling activities near these vulnerable areas.

Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker are advocating for Governor Newsom to maintain the momentum toward stronger environmental protections, urging a rejection of initiatives that could undermine the hard-won advancements made in climate and environmental justice. They warn that further easing of regulations could result in ripple effects throughout the state, endangering communities surrounding other oil-producing areas like Contra Costa, Fresno, and Kings.

In summary, California stands at a critical intersection regarding its oil drilling policies. While recent actions have indicated a shift towards reduced fossil fuel reliance, the new legislative framework proposed in Kern County poses significant risks to these progressive efforts. Environmental advocates, policymakers, and community members must remain vigilant as discussions continue to evolve, ensuring that California's path forward aligns with its climate commitments and protects the well-being of its residents.

A Call to Action

Moving forward, it is imperative for citizens and environmental groups to voice their concerns and push back against legislative efforts that could dilute existing environmental protections. In a world facing unprecedented climate challenges, California must remain committed to leading the charge in sustainability and environmental integrity. Only through concerted efforts can the state's legacy as a climate innovator be preserved, safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.