Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is easing his stance on the oil industry as his state suffers high gas prices and refinery closures, while also positioning himself as a presidential candidate in 2028.
Last week, Newsom signed into law a sweeping climate and energy legislative package addressing several key initiatives, including approving new oil drilling to help reverse the decline in state oil production .
The legislation represents a departure from the course Newsom has taken in recent years to impose stricter regulations on the oil industry. For instance, Newsom has phased out new permits for fracking in the state by 2024 and called on the California Air Resources Board to analyze how to phase out all oil extraction by 2045. He also signed legislation that restricts oil and gas operations from occurring near schools, daycares, and other sensitive communities…