Part 5/14:
Governor Gavin Newsom and his administration grapple with balancing their long-term vision of transitioning California away from fossil fuels with immediate economic realities. Recently, the state considered legislation that could allow for new long-term drilling permits, employing a so-called “two-for-one” approach: for every two orphaned or idle wells shut down, one new well would be permitted.
This proposed policy reflects a tacit acknowledgment that California’s push for renewable energy and emissions reduction has led to a decline in the state’s energy independence. Newsom’s office emphasizes that the goal remains a transition to clean energy, but the current scenario indicates a backpedal, at least temporarily, to keep fuel prices somewhat stable and avoid further supply disruptions.