by Katy Grimes, E&E Legal Senior Media Fellow and California Globe Editor
As Appearing in the California Globe
366,000 jobs in California are supported by the oil and gas industry
California’s Geologic Energy Management Division just denied 21 oil drilling permits in Kern County this week. “State Oil and Gas Supervisor Uduak-Joe Ntuk sent letters Thursday to Aera Energy denying permits to drill using hydraulic fracturing in two Kern County oil fields to protect ‘public health and safety and environmental quality, including (the) reduction and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions,’” the Associated Press reported.
The AP also said it was “the latest move toward ending fracking in a state that makes millions from the petroleum industry but is seeing widespread drought and more dangerous fire seasons linked to climate change.”
“The attack on oil must end,” Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) said in a press statement. Grove, who lives in and represents Kern County continued:
“A California without oil is an implausible dream being pushed by progressive politicians. The Governor should protect quality careers and vital tax funding while ensuring Californians have access to affordable and reliable energy.”
This is bad timing for Gov. Newsom, facing a recall election in 70 days, because there are 366,000 jobs in California supported by the oil and gas industry, according to the Western States Petroleum Association,
