BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing a bill to streamline permitting for new oil wells. It’s a proposal that environmental groups say would wipe out scrutiny of the industry.
This comes as the refineries of Phillips 66 in Los Angeles and Valero in Benicia are shutting down operations in California due to regulatory pressure.
The bill would establish “plug-to-drill” permitting until 2036 where two wells would have to be plugged and abandoned before a new one is drilled.
Trump officials are visiting Alaska to discuss a gas pipeline and oil drilling
Drillers would also no longer would need well approval from the Geologic Energy Management Division, known as CalGem, so long as certain conditions are met…