Fong Champions BLM Lease Sale and California Energy Production

Congressman Vince Fong, a longtime CIPA ally and champion of California’s oil producers, welcomed BLM’s announcement of a December 2026 oil and gas lease sale covering approximately 35,000 acres across Kern, Kings, Fresno, and San Luis Obispo counties. His support is highlighted in the Taft Midway Driller’s coverage.

Fong described the sale as an opportunity to expand domestic energy supplies, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and help lower costs for California families and businesses. He credited the Trump Administration and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for prioritizing California production, while criticizing Governor Newsom’s policies restricting production and undermining refining capacity.

CIPA welcomes Fong’s continued leadership. California’s independent producers stand ready to supply local crude to local refineries, support oil field jobs, and strengthen the state’s energy security. Expanding opportunities for responsible production can help keep investment, paychecks, and tax revenues in California while reducing reliance on overseas supplies.

CIPA and BLM remain in regular communication regarding the upcoming lease sale and other issues affecting California producers. The association will continue advocating for federal leasing opportunities and workable permitting policies that allow its members to develop these resources responsibly.