California Energy Commission Vice Chair Siva Gunda, Retired Kern County Planning Director Lorelei Oviatt and Senator Shannon Grove at the Governor’s signing ceremony for SB 237. Photo Credit: Office of Senator Grove
Today, Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) announced that Senate Bill 237 was signed by Governor Newsom. The bill certifies the Kern County Environmental Impact Report (EIR), enabling streamlined permitting to expand oil and gas production while maintaining environmental protections. SB 237 addresses California’s critical decline in domestic oil production, which has forced the state to import nearly 80% of its oil to meet consumer demand.
Under SB 237, Kern County will now be able to approve up to 2,000 new well drilling permits per year for the next 10 years. This long-term certainty strengthens Kern County’s position as the Energy Capital of California, stabilizes the supply chain, and helps protect Californians from painful swings in fuel prices at the pump. By comparison, the state approved only 84 new well permits last year and just a handful so far this year.
“Today we are taking a victory lap for every Californian who will benefit from unleashing Kern County energy production with the signing of SB 237!” said Senator Shannon Grove. “By allowing up to 2,000 new well permits annually, Kern County will continue to lead the way in producing reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy. This law brings certainty, keeps prices stable for families at the pump, and allows my hardworking constituents to get back to work powering our state. I want to thank Governor Newsom, Vice Chair Gunda, and especially Loreili Oviatt who has worked tirelessly to expand oil production in Kern County.”
Dave Noerr, Mayor of Taft, a city at the heart of the Midway-Sunset oilfield, California’s largest and most productive oilfield and among the top in the nation for oil reserves, shared his perspective, stating:
“At long last, I am thrilled to extend my gratitude and congratulations to all who worked tirelessly on this bill. SB 237 will once again allow the people of Taft and Kern County to provide a God-given, critical resource—oil and gas—that has powered our nation through 21 presidencies, 19 governors, and two world wars.
Special thanks to Lorelei Oviatt, the brains and brawn behind the Kern County EIR, and most importantly to Senator Shannon Grove. If SB 237 has a heart, it came from her. For over a decade she has fought for facts, data, and the Californians suffering from energy insecurity. My deepest gratitude and admiration.”
“This landmark law will enable Kern County's land use rules and environmental assessments to strengthen environmental protection while streamlining the permitting process for oil production in the region," said Lorelei Oviatt, AICP Retired Kern County Planning Director. “I want to thank Senator Grove for her exhaustive efforts to educate and bring together experts in the energy field to recognize the role that Kern County can play with reducing California’s energy costs.”
Watch Senator Shannon Grove’s speech on the floor from when the bill passed the Senate here.
Watch Senator Shannon Grove and retired Kern County Planning Commissioner Lorelei Oviatt react to the bill passing out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee here.
SB 237 will take effect on January 1, 2026. For more information, follow @ShannonGroveCA.