Kern County may soon allow oil drilling again in unincorporated areas.

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing this week to review proposed changes to zoning rules.

Courts blocked drilling in 2020 and 2024 over environmental concerns.

County staff say the new plan includes updates to meet state laws, including safety zones between drilling sites and nearby neighborhoods.

The project would cover more than two million acres across the valley floor.

The special meeting will be held on Thursday at the Kern County Administrative Building on Truxtun Avenue in downtown Bakersfield.