For decades, oil rigs have been a defining part of Kern County, shaping the local economy and way of life. Now, a new law could increase drilling activity, bringing jobs and boosting the local economy.

Senate Bill 237, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last week, gives Kern County the authority to approve 2,000 new oil well permits each year for the next ten years, offering a major boost to local drilling efforts.

Senator Shannon Grove called the bill a significant win for the county.

“I want to thank the Governor of the state of California for making sure that we get 2,000 new well permits, not side work, not reworks, we get 2,000 new drill permits every year for ten years,” said Senator Grove.

Senator Grove noted that the new law comes after a period of limited drilling, just

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