Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing a bill to streamline permitting for new oil wells.

The bill would establish “plug-to-drill” permitting until 2036. That means two wells would have to be plugged and abandoned before a new one is drilled.

Environmental groups say the move would wipe out oversight of the industry and could be hazardous to humans and the environment.

Proponents say new drilling would result in more jobs and increased tax revenues for Kern County.

The move comes as major California refineries are shutting down operations due to regulatory pressure.

Kern County is a major hub for oil and gas production, significantly contributing to both California’s and the nation’s energy supply. It accounts for over 70% of California’s oil production and a substantial portion of its natural gas.

The Kern County Assessor’s Office reports the oil and gas industry accounted for roughly $15 billion of the county’s $102 billion in property tax valuations in 2020.