BLM seeks input on proposed oil and gas management updates in south-central California

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on proposed management updates for oil and gas leasing and development on public lands in portions of Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura counties managed by the BLM Bakersfield Field Office.

The effort aligns with Secretary's Order 3418, which supports President Trump's call for "Unleashing American Energy," aimed at increasing energy exploration and production on federal lands in an affordable and reliable manner. The order emphasizes development of oil, gas, coal, strategic minerals, and alternative energy sources on public lands.

The BLM will host a virtual public meeting via Zoom from 5-6:30 p.m. PT on Feb. 3, 2026, to discuss the draft plan. Please register to participate. Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the 'Participate Now' option. The comment period will close March 6, 2026.

The BLM Bakersfield Field Office administers approximately 400,000 acres of public land and an additional 1.2 million acres of federal mineral estate in central California. California's federal production totals average about 8-10% of California's total oil and natural gas production.