BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 For the first time in years, Kern County is again issuing permits for new oil drilling, marking a significant shift for one of California\u2019s most oil-producing regions.<\/p>\n
Since Jan. 2, county officials say more than 300 permits have already been issued for new and existing oil wells, a pace energy advocates describe as pent-up demand following a multiyear slowdown in permitting.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is good news \u2014 great news. 2026 is a new chapter,\u201d said Tracy Leach, director of Kern Citizens for Energy.<\/p>\n
Kern County paused most local oil permitting for roughly three years amid legal challenges and regulatory changes, including heightened state oversight. Leach said companies were prepared to move quickly once permitting resumed.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompanies were ready to go and ready to work,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019re very aware of the 2,000-permit cap, and based on history, that\u2019s a reasonable level.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leach said major operators \u2014 including Chevron and California Resources Corporation \u2014 are among those that have already received county approvals for new wells, well-deepening projects and drilling activity.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Chevron said it has submitted 138 new well permit applications to the county so far. Of those, six permits have been approved and subsequently cleared by the state\u2019s oil and gas regulator, California Geologic Energy Management Division, also known as CalGEM.<\/p>\n
California Resources Corporation said its permits meet Kern County and CalGEM\u2019s requirements \u201cto protect public health, safety and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
While producers are eager to resume drilling, Leach said the extended pause in permitting has left parts of the industry stretched thin, following layoffs and the departure of contractors and skilled workers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to have to rebuild that infrastructure somewhat, and that\u2019s a concern,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s not a spigot \u2014 on, off.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the county\u2019s online permitting system, applications submitted since Jan. 2 include projects in Bakersfield, Lost Hills and McKittrick, areas that have long been central to Kern County\u2019s oil production.<\/p>\n
Leach said most permits were issued early in the month and expects the pace to slow in the coming months. Whether Kern County reaches its annual cap of 2,000 permits, she said, remains to be seen.<\/p>\n
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