BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Bureau of Land Management in California is looking to reopen oil and gas leasing in Central California, initiating a 30-day public comment period to gather input on the environmental impact of the proposed changes. The areas under consideration include parts of Kern, Fresno, Kings and Madera counties.
National monuments and designated wilderness areas are protected by law and will remain untouched.
The initiative aligns with President Donald Trump’s order to boost American energy production.
Bakersfield Congressman Vince Fong expressed support for the initiative. “We are finally bringing some common sense of this process, allowing the Bureau of Land Management to oversee federal lands and to allow more exploration that will allow us to produce the oil and gas,” said Congressman Fong. He added that the move would benefit the local economy, stating, “It would be a huge shot in the arm for the local economy. It certainly…our oil and gas sector, employs thousands of people in our community who will produce additional revenue to our local government and also will lower gas prices and energy costs for all of us.”…