Oil permitting in California remains far below pre-2019 levels, but recent data shows a rebound in permits for work on existing wells, such as reworks and sidetracks. New drilling permits, however, remain scarce, while well plugging and abandonment activity has surged. Industry observers point to litigation, expanded environmental reviews, fracking restrictions, and new setback rules as major factors slowing overall production. While producers welcome modest improvements, many say the permitting process is still too slow to meet California’s energy and economic needs.

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