News Brief

July 30, 2025

California governor considering bill to streamline oil well permitting

Environmental groups recently released draft language from California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office that would make it easier for oil and gas companies to get drilling permits.

The language would allow companies to bypass approvals from the California Geologic Energy Management Division if certain conditions are met. Companies would have to ensure that two existing wells are plugged and abandoned before drilling a new well, under the provision that would last until 2036.

A coalition of 12 environmental justice groups rejected the proposal, calling it an “outrageous blank check for unlimited oil drilling across the state of California for the next decade.

A Newsom spokesperson told Bloomberg News that the groups released only partial text from the bill.

“We continue to work with the legislature on policy that will help stabilize California’s petroleum market while ensuring a safe, reliable, and affordable supply of transportation fuels,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

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