On June 26, 2025, the Kern County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved revisions to its oil and gas permitting ordinance, marking the county’s third attempt to bring permitting under local control after prior court rejections. The effort, spanning 13 years and costing $68 million, now heads back to court to determine whether it meets California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) standards. A 30-day window is open for legal challenges, which could delay implementation by up to a year.
The revised ordinance includes 89 mitigation measures and new concessions: a fee to preserve farmland acre-for-acre, removal of old infrastructure, and contributions to environmental funds. Supporters, including Chevron and the Western States Petroleum Association, highlighted economic benefits, job support, and environmental protections. Critics—ranging from local residents to Sierra Club members—argued the ordinance would worsen pollution and public health, especially with Kern’s poor air quality. Some also raised concerns about harassment during the meeting.
While opponents cited climate concerns and potential harm to small oil producers, supervisors emphasized economic necessity and energy independence. Supervisor Phillip Peters stated, “I really do think we have a responsibility to drill, baby, drill.” The ordinance, if upheld in court, would allow the county to resume issuing oil permits, potentially as early as late July.
