Following win for Kern oil producers, industry experts warn of hurdles to come

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — California’s oil industry is preparing for a potential rebound as new permitting changes give Kern County more control over local drilling. Industry leaders say the shift could help bring back hundreds of jobs and boost local production, but they warn that the state’s shrinking number of oil refineries still poses major challenges.

California Independent Petroleum Association CEO Rock Zierman said the state currently has eight operational refineries producing gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. But two are set to close — including Phillips 66’s Los Angeles-area refinery, which is scheduled to begin shutting down this month, and Valero’s Benicia refinery, which is also preparing to cease operations. Together, the two facilities account for roughly 20% of California’