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Fracking and drilling could soon return to California after the federal government approved a plan to open nearly a million acres of public land for oil and gas leases. This decision, announced by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), aims to increase U.S. energy production and reduce costs. The plan covers parts of San Joaquin, Fresno, Merced, Kern, and Kings counties.
Environmental groups are voicing concerns, warning that the move could harm wildlife and communities. They argue that expanding oil and gas production poses significant risks to public health and the environment. According to Shark Stewards, the plan threatens critical habitats for endangered species and could lead to increased pollution and health issues for nearby residents.
The decision is part of the Trump administration's policy to boost energy exploration on federal lands, described in the executive order "Unleashing American Energy." However, some experts doubt the profitability of these projects, suggesting that it could take five to ten years before any drilling begins. The Fresno Bee reports that the last lease sale was in 2020, and a backlog of requests has since accumulated.
Local officials, like Nathan Magsig from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, support the move, citing the need for California to become energy independent. However, conservation groups, such as Los Padres ForestWatch, are urging the BLM to reconsider. They highlight the potential destruction of protected landscapes and call for a focus on renewable energy alternatives instead.
The BLM is expected to review public comments received through March 2026 and issue a final decision by July 2026. If approved, this would mark the first federal oil and gas lease sales in these regions in years.