California oil and gas drilling moves forward after federal approval

California drilling gets a new opening

Oil and gas drilling on federal land in California is moving forward again after years of legal and environmental review. The decision puts Central Valley energy sites back in focus for workers, companies, and residents.

Federal officials say the move supports domestic energy production, while conservation groups warn it could affect public land, water, wildlife, and nearby communities.

BLM clears the path

The Bureau of Land Management released its decision on June 23, allowing oil and gas leasing to resume in the Bakersfield Field Office planning area after a long pause.

The agency said the decision follows a supplemental environmental impact statement and fulfills a July 2022 settlement agreement tied to earlier lawsuits over leasing reviews in California.

Eight counties are included

The leasing decision covers public lands in parts of Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura counties across south-central California.

Those counties include major agricultural areas, inland communities, and parts of California’s existing oil region. Kern County remains the center of attention because much production already happens there and nearby.

Kern County sites can proceed

The approval also addresses seven oil and gas lease parcels in Kern County that were part of a 2020 lease sale and had been tied up by later legal and environmental review.

That does not mean wells can start immediately. Companies still need lease-sale steps, permits, financing, equipment, and additional site-specific review before new drilling reaches the ground.

A 2022 settlement shaped the pause

Leasing had been halted after California and environmental groups challenged earlier federal reviews. They argued the government had not fully studied risks to people, land, water, and the environment.

The 2022 settlement required more analysis before leasing could continue. BLM says its latest decision completes that step for the Bakersfield Field Office area this year.

Federal officials cite energy policy

BLM said the decision is consistent with Secretary’s Order 3418, which supports expanded domestic energy opportunities on public lands under current federal direction from Washington.

The order covers oil, natural gas, coal, strategic minerals, and alternative energy resources. Federal officials frame the California move as part of a wider push for reliable and affordable energy.

Large acreage is involved

The Bakersfield Field Office manages about 400,000 acres of public land and 1.2 million acres of federal mineral estate in central California, according to BLM.

BLM has identified large areas that could be leased, though actual development depends on industry interest, lease sales, permits, economics, and site-specific conditions before any field work begins there.

Royalties support public budgets

BLM said the area supports about 3,500 jobs and more than $200 million in yearly economic activity tied to federal oil and gas resources in the region.

The agency also said royalties of $65 million to $90 million are collected each year, with about half going to California and half to the U.S. Treasury annually.

Industry groups praise the move

Oil and gas supporters praised the decision, saying more domestic production can reduce reliance on imported energy and support jobs in producing communities across California and the country.

They argue that California still uses petroleum products every day for transportation, goods movement, agriculture, and industry. From that view, local production can remain part of the state’s energy supply.

Little-known fact: This plan is the most serious attempt to expand offshore drilling off California since the 1980s, targeting billions of barrels of potential oil resources.

Conservation groups raise alarms

Conservation groups criticized the approval, saying expanded leasing could threaten clean air, drinking water, wildlife habitat, and public lands across parts of California and nearby communities.

The Center for Biological Diversity said it plans to fight the decision. Its response shows the legal and public debate over federal drilling is not finished after this approval by BLM.

Fracking remains part of the debate

Hydraulic fracturing is one reason the issue draws attention. The method uses pressurized water, sand, and chemicals to help release oil and gas from rock formations.

Supporters view it as a production tool, while critics point to concerns about air quality, water, and community impacts. BLM says its reviews considered expected effects before giving approval.

California’s energy goals collide

The federal decision comes as California continues pushing cleaner energy policies and long-term efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in transportation and power use.

That contrast creates a familiar conflict. Federal officials control leasing on federal lands, while state leaders and local communities often focus on climate goals, health concerns, and land-use effects as projects advance.

Why is California facing pushback over federal oil leasing reviews? See how expanded scrutiny could affect energy plans and local concerns.

More fights may come next

The approval reopens a path for oil and gas leasing, but it does not end the argument over California’s public lands or future energy direction.

Companies, regulators, courts, and advocacy groups may still shape what happens next. The practical impact will depend on lease sales, permits, project interest, and any new legal challenges in court.

Wondering why beach contamination is drawing attention? Learn how the oil issue may affect visitors and cleanup work.

What do you think federal approval for California oil and gas drilling could mean for energy and communities? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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