Next year, California voters will have a chance to decide whether new oil drilling regulations should take effect. Oil industry officials warn that, if enacted, it could hinder production and force California to look elsewhere for its supply. In 2024, Californians will vote on whether the state should continue producing...
Biden: ‘We Can’t Wait Any Longer’ to Address Climate Crisis
WASHINGTON — In the most ambitious U.S. effort to stave off the worst effects of climate change, President Joe Biden issued executive orders Wednesday to cut oil, gas and coal emissions and double energy production from offshore wind turbines. The orders target federal subsidies for oil and other fossil fuels...
Biden Aims for Most Ambitious US Effort on Climate Change Ever
WASHINGTON — In what would be the most ambitious U.S. effort ever to stave off the worst effects of climate change, President Joe Biden is aiming to cut oil, gas and coal emissions and double energy production from offshore wind turbines through executive orders Wednesday. The orders awaiting his signature...
Environmentalists Blast Feds Over New Bakersfield Area Oil Leases
BAKERSFIELD — Oil and gas leases on federal public lands in California were put up for auction for the first time in eight years on Thursday, drawing protests from environmental organizations on grounds including threats to climate, human health and wildlife. The seven parcels put up for bid by the...
BP to Cut 10,000 Jobs Worldwide Amid Virus Pandemic
LONDON — Oil and gas company BP announced Monday that it will slash its global workforce by 10,000 jobs as the COVID-19 pandemic slams the energy industry. Chief Executive Bernard Looney said that the cuts will affect office-based roles in BP's global workforce of 70,000 people and come mostly this...
Big Oil Loses Appeal, Climate Suits Go to California Courts
LOS ANGELES — Big Oil lost a pair of court battles Tuesday that could lead to trials in lawsuits by California cities and counties seeking damages for the impact of climate change. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected arguments by energy companies and ruled state courts are the...
Trump Administration Cuts Royalty Rates for Oil and Gas
BILLINGS, Mont. — The Trump administration has started giving energy companies temporary breaks on royalties and rent they pay to extract oil and gas from leases on public lands because of the coronavirus pandemic. The move drew quick criticism as a handout to industry that will mean less money for...
Q&A: With Rock-Bottom Prices, Will the Oil Industry Recover?
NEW YORK — With a barrel of crude oil costing less than a New York pizza, many U.S. shale producers are being pushed to the brink of bankruptcy and experts are wondering when, and if, the oil industry will recover. The price of benchmark U.S. crude oil closed at $12.34...
Oil From Federal Lands Tops 1B Barrels as Trump Eases Rules
BILLINGS, Mont. — Oil production from U.S.- managed lands and waters topped a record 1 billion barrels last year, federal officials said Tuesday, as technological advances helped drive development in new areas and the Trump administration eases rules on the industry. The production figure was up 122 million barrels, or...
When It Comes to Crazy Politics, Bakersfield Might Take the Cake
At times, Fresno politics can get a little wild and crazy — especially on social media. But Julie Solis, a progressive Democratic candidate challenging incumbent Republican Assemblyman Vince Fong in the 34th District, jumped the shark at Tuesday's Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting. Clean Energy, and What Did She...