"California lawmakers introduced a last-minute deal that would streamline environmental approvals for up to 2,000 new wells annually in oil-rich Kern County, while tightening the regulatory requirements for offshore drilling. The looming closure of two California refineries has become a sore spot for Gov. Gavin Newsom and for California Democrats, pitting their longtime clean-energy goals against concerns about the rising cost of living."
"Amid concerns that refinery closures could send gas prices soaring, California legislative leaders Wednesday introduced a last-minute deal aimed at increasing oil production to shore up the struggling fossil-fuel industry while further restricting offshore drilling. The compromise, brokered by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire, would streamline environmental approvals for new wells in oil-rich Kern County and increase oil production. The bill also would make offshore drilling more difficult by tightening the safety and regulatory requirements for pipelines."
Legislative leaders introduced a last-minute measure to streamline environmental approvals for up to 2,000 new wells annually in Kern County while tightening safety and regulatory requirements for offshore pipelines. The compromise, brokered by Gov. Gavin Newsom with Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire, is embodied in Senate Bill 237 and aims to boost in-state oil production amid refinery closures. The bill may require an extension of the legislative session because bills must be in print 72 hours before a vote. The measure is part of an energy package responding to refinery shutdowns that could cut refining capacity by roughly 20%.
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