Go-ahead for more oil wells in Kern County frustrates California's climate ambitions
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Oil pumping rigs and transmission lines dot the landscape along Highway 33. Kern County has approved a policy to streamline approvals, potentially allowing 2,700 oil and gas wells annually.George Rose/Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
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An oilfield in Bakersfield — Kern County has approved new regulations that will speed up the permitting of new wells.Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle 2017Show MoreShow Less
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Oil pipelines, pumping rigs and electrical transmission lines dot the landscape along Highway 33, the “petroleum highway.”George Rose / Getty Images 2020Show MoreShow Less
A small oil boom may be dawning in the flatlands outside Bakersfield, where many are hoping for a petroleum-led economic bump for the San Joaquin Valley, but where others see California losing its will to break away from fossil fuels.