A grand energy and climate deal struck between Gov. Gavin Newsom and top legislative leaders this week could open the door to more oil drilling in the Central Valley in an attempt to stabilize California’s sensitive oil market.
When he took office, Newsom dramatically turned down California’s oil spigot, issuing fewer drilling permits as he emphasized a transition to electric and zero-emission vehicles.
But after years of painful gas price spikes and the looming closure of two refineries, drilling could ramp back up in Kern County oil fields under SB 237, a piece of the last-minute climate deal…