California Legislature Backs Local Oil in SB 237
- Randle Communications
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2025
CONTACT
Hector Barajas
SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, the California State Legislature voted to pass Senate Bill 237, a long-overdue measure to strengthen California’s domestic oil production and reduce reliance on costly and environmentally destructive foreign oil imports. SB 237 now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature.
With recently adopted amendments, SB 237 streamlines permitting in Kern County and ensures Californians can meet more of their own energy needs with California oil, produced by California workers under California’s labor, health, and environmental standards.
“For too long, Sacramento’s policies have forced our state to spend $25 billion a year importing oil from foreign countries that violate California’s environmental standards, human rights, or labor protections,” said Rock Zierman, CEO of the California Independent Petroleum Association. “SB 237 is a clear step toward reversing that dependency and allowing us to power California with California energy.”
Every barrel of oil produced in-state means fewer foreign tankers idling off California’s coast, lower gasoline prices, and more money staying in local communities to fund schools, first responders, and healthcare.
“Letting Californians produce more oil at home is a win for our workers, our environment, and our economy,” Zierman continued. “Roughly 70% of oil production in California occurs in Kern County, yet overall in-state production supplies less than 25% of the crude consumed by Californians. The rest is tankered in from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and by tearing down the Amazon Rainforest.”
Foreign oil imports cost $5 to $7 more per barrel than California crude, driving up gasoline prices for California families.
Two major California refineries have already announced shutdown plans, representing nearly 20% of the state’s gasoline supply.
“If the remaining refineries cannot secure increased supplies of in-state crude, we risk seeing more refinery closures and even higher gas prices, potentially $8 a gallon or more, for California families,” Zierman warned.
SB 237 is now on the Governor’s desk.
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