California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is executing a notable reversal on his previous stance against oil drilling, a move driven by the looming threat of soaring gas prices in the state.
This shift marks a departure from his earlier efforts to curtail oil drilling, as he now plans to expand operations in Kern County.
As reported by Breitbart, Newsom's retreat from his climate-change-driven opposition to oil drilling comes amid warnings from refineries about potential departures from the state and the possibility of gas prices reaching an alarming $8 per gallon. In 2021, Newsom had effectively jeopardized the oil and gas industry in Kern County by imposing a moratorium on fracking permits, set to take effect in 2024.
At the time, he declared, The climate crisis is real, and we continue to see the signs every day. However, by 2025, Newsom has reached a compromise with the oil industry, paving the way for the legislature to pass a bill that would permit increased drilling in central California, much to the dismay of environmental groups.
According to Politico, organizations that began the year with ambitious plans to hold polluting companies accountable for climate change damages now find themselves scrambling to thwart SB 237. This bill, supported by Newsom and legislative leaders, aims to enhance drilling in Kern County.
The shift in momentum towards the oil industry underscores Democratic lawmakers' concerns that the planned closure of two of the state's nine refineries could lead to skyrocketing gas prices. This development comes as both parties vie for the title of affordability champion in a mid-term election, highlighting the political risks of an aggressive move away from fossil fuels without a comprehensive transition plan.
Andrew Acosta, a seasoned Democratic campaign consultant, remarked, Its one thing to have the sound bites at the ready during a campaign. Its different when all of a sudden a refinery says, Were out of here, California. Thats where we are now this is real.
The Sacramento Bee noted, Its a significant reversal for Newsom, who sees himself as a national leader on climate and once said he believes California needs to move beyond oil.
Newsom's aspirations for a presidential bid in 2028 likely play a role in his decision-making, as he seeks to avoid the label of a governor who allowed gas prices to burden working families in his state. This strategic pivot underscores the complexities of balancing environmental goals with economic realities, particularly in a state as influential as California.
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