Newsom Criticizes Oil Industry Amid New Drilling Permits

Summary:
Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has approved ten new drilling permits for Berry Petroleum in Kern County, marking the first such approvals since last summer. This decision, made by the new head of the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM), Doug Ito, has sparked criticism from climate advocates who argue that the permits were not adequately vetted by modern environmental standards. Despite Newsom’s ongoing efforts to challenge the oil industry—including promoting investigations into price gouging, advocating for laws to plug idle wells, and pushing for a ban on new oil and gas wells near homes and schools—new drilling permits continue to be issued. Newsom has also been vocal about the oil industry’s role in hindering progress towards the state’s climate goals. CalGEM and the governor’s office defended the permit approvals, asserting that they meet rigorous state environmental standards. Industry representatives argue that the number of new permits has significantly decreased in recent years, emphasizing the necessity of local oil production under strict environmental regulations.