Last Minute Bill Would Allow Thousands of New Oil Wells Annually in Kern County - Streetsblog California

"As the legislature inches closer to its Saturday deadline to pass legislation, there's more than just Cap-and-Trade being put on the agenda at the last minute. Early yesterday morning-the deadline for bills to be printed in order to be eligible for a vote during the final legislative session on Saturday-amendments to Senate Bill 237 were introduced that would allow for up to 2,000 new permits for oil extraction in Kern County annually. Last year, just 84 such permits were granted statewide."

""At a time when our state, and frankly the country, need progressive leadership the most, Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas, and Pro Tem McGuire acquiesced to Big Oil and massively deregulated the industry," said Dan Ress, Senior Attorney at the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment. "SB 237 guts environmental protections for Kern County communities when there is no evidence that those actions will do anything to stabilize supply or lower gas prices. This will open the door to ev"

"With gas prices already looming as a potential major issue in next year's gubernatorial and legislative races, the legislation is largely seen as an effort to keep prices stable or even lower them as oil refineries continue to close throughout the state. Phillips 66 announced it will close two refineries before the end of this calendar year, and Valero plans to close one next year. California imports 80% of its oil from other states, and the refinery closures threaten to push that number even higher."

Amendments to Senate Bill 237 would allow up to 2,000 new permits for oil extraction in Kern County annually, compared with 84 permits granted statewide last year. The measure is aimed at addressing gas price concerns as multiple refineries prepare to close. Phillips 66 plans to close two refineries this year and Valero plans to close one next year. California imports roughly 80% of its oil from other states, and refinery closures could increase that dependency. The proposal has support from elected Democrats and strong condemnation from environmental organizations, while Republicans and oil industry representatives have not publicly endorsed it.

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