Kern County is set to resume issuing oil and gas permits on Jan. 2, 2026, marking a significant development following a decade-long legal battle.
Jeff Flores, the Kern County District 3 Supervisor, expressed optimism, stating, “This is really a new day because we have a local ordinance, we have clearance from the court, and we have state legislation backing up what we did.”
He emphasized the potential for job creation and economic growth, noting, “We import 75% of our oil from overseas when we can do it right here in our backyard with local production.”
Despite the optimism, Rock Zierman, CEO of the California Independent Petroleum Association, warned of potential challenges…