Kern County's Vital Role in California's Energy Future

Kern County is playing a significant role in California's energy future, according to Michelle Burkett, Vice President of Chevron San Joaquin Valley. During Energy Week, Burkett discussed the county's importance and how recent progress in energy permitting has been encouraging for both the industry and local economy.

'When you can develop that certainty, you can advocate for those investments,' Burkett explained, highlighting that greater permitting certainty can help encourage investment dollars to flow back into Kern County. She emphasized that investors need confidence that projects can move forward, and a more predictable permitting environment can provide that certainty.

Burkett also connected energy costs to California's affordability challenges, noting that while gasoline prices are an obvious example, energy costs can affect manufacturing, equipment operation, transportation, and logistics. She said that reliance on foreign crude oil imports leaves the state exposed to global events and potential supply disruptions, contributing to higher energy costs.

Kern County produces approximately 70% of California's in-state crude oil, and Burkett emphasized its extensive experience in developing and producing energy. The region has over a century of experience, including developing infrastructure, creating innovative technologies, and building a workforce with specialized skills. Those resources give Kern County valuable expertise that can contribute to conversations about California's energy affordability, reliability, and long-term future.