California Oil Leasing Revived Amid Legal Push

Federal authorities are pushing ahead with plans to restart oil and gas leasing in nine California counties, including Kern, after releasing a new environmental review meant to overcome past legal hurdles. This reverses a 2015 decision to phase out leasing on federal lands, reopening applications stalled since 2011. Environmental advocates strongly oppose the move, calling it environmentally damaging and threatening long-term protections. The Bureau of Land Management could generate up to $5 million annually from these leases—with half going to California—and is inviting public feedback for up to a year. The decision highlights the ongoing tension between energy production and environmental stewardship in a region where federal mineral lands span over 33,000 acres. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d48fd8859a23a5b4