The Kern County Board of Supervisors is set to review proposed updates to its zoning ordinance that would allow new oil drilling in unincorporated areas. The revisions aim to meet California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) standards by addressing past deficiencies related to water impacts, agricultural land conservation, and setbacks from sensitive areas. Property owner signatures would also be required for site approvals.
Supervisor Jeff Flores stressed the importance of restarting local oil production, citing its impact on jobs, revenue, and national energy security. Taft Mayor Dave Noerr warned that eliminating oil and gas could collapse Kern’s economy. Both officials emphasized that California’s locally produced oil is cleaner than foreign imports and urged support for the updated ordinance as a step toward economic and energy stability.
