California faces refinery closures, high fuel costs, and reduced oil demand, the combination of which have contributed to concerns regarding potential impacts on price volatility. SB 237 seeks to boost in-state oil production safely, utilize idle pipelines, increase financial transparency, and streamline the process of acquiring drilling approvals in Kern County. It also directs the state to explore ways to lower fuel costs and adopt strategies for the medium and long-term consistent with California Energy Commission (CEC) guidance. The governor signed this bill Sept. 19, 2025, as part of his year-end climate and energy package.

Click here to read the full GT Alert.

Tags: California, California Energy Commission, GT Insight, Oil
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Photo of Thomas R. Brill Thomas R. Brill

Thomas R. Brill has deep legal and management experience in the energy industry and has represented clients in virtually every electricity and natural gas restructuring proceeding in California for over three decades. Tom also has comprehensive experience in regulatory litigation, as well as…

Thomas R. Brill has deep legal and management experience in the energy industry and has represented clients in virtually every electricity and natural gas restructuring proceeding in California for over three decades. Tom also has comprehensive experience in regulatory litigation, as well as strategy and policy development to address rapidly changing laws, regulations, and market dynamics as well as technological disruptions that are leading to significant changes in the energy industry. Tom also has comprehensive experience addressing issues related to the integration of central station and distributed renewable generation, including electricity storage, smart grid technologies, and the impacts of utility rate design and cost allocation on competitive entry by third party providers and utility stranded cost exposure.

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Photo of Alice Kessler Alice Kessler

Alice Kessler is the Co-Leader of the California Government Law & Policy Group in the firm’s Sacramento office. She is an accomplished legislative strategist and leader with a track record of rapid advancement grounded in proven strategic and communication talents, collaborative skills, and…

Alice Kessler is the Co-Leader of the California Government Law & Policy Group in the firm’s Sacramento office. She is an accomplished legislative strategist and leader with a track record of rapid advancement grounded in proven strategic and communication talents, collaborative skills, and trusted integrity. Alice has deep relationships with California policymakers, thought leaders, and community-based organizations. She leverages her well-honed skills to build consensus, gain buy-in, and motivate team members and partners.

Alice helped to launch the startup state advocacy practice at one of the largest public affairs consultancies on the West Coast, where she worked to advance the interests of technology firms, automakers, trade associations, and local government entities. As managing partner for one of the fastest growing lobbying firms in Sacramento, she oversaw all business operations and represented clients in the areas of energy, technology, health care, and education.

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Photo of Jeremy Meier Jeremy Meier

Mr. Meier has deep experience in regulatory affairs and governmental litigation, representing corporations and individuals doing business in California. He primarily represents national companies in the health care, telecommunications, energy, transportation and financial services sectors. His practice focuses on government contracts, regulatory enforcement…

Mr. Meier has deep experience in regulatory affairs and governmental litigation, representing corporations and individuals doing business in California. He primarily represents national companies in the health care, telecommunications, energy, transportation and financial services sectors. His practice focuses on government contracts, regulatory enforcement, and rulemaking matters involving federal, state and local regulation; procurement; bid protests; writs; commercial litigation; contract negotiations; audits; government investigations; complex false claims matters; and public records and conflicts of interest disputes. Mr. Meier has handled numerous trials and arbitrations, mediations, and administrative hearings and routinely works with state regulators, state attorneys general offices, agency staff, policy makers, and stake holders on governmental and emerging public policy regulatory and civil disputes. He has broad experience in federal and state energy, telecommunications, transportation, health care, and financial services regulatory matters, involving agencies such as the CPUC, CEC, FCC, FERC, CA DHCS and DMHC, and the CA DBO.

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Photo of Madeline Orlando Madeline Orlando

Madeline Orlando focuses her practice on both California state and federal regulatory issues. She works with clients to navigate the California regulatory framework, with a particular focus on Prop 65, environmental, and consumer products regulatory compliance. Her practice also includes advising clients on

…

Madeline Orlando focuses her practice on both California state and federal regulatory issues. She works with clients to navigate the California regulatory framework, with a particular focus on Prop 65, environmental, and consumer products regulatory compliance. Her practice also includes advising clients on federal regulatory requirements and compliance, including regulations under the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Madeline also has litigation experience, representing clients in business and commercial litigation as well as environmental and consumer protection litigation.

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Photo of Julia Lopez˘ Julia Lopez˘

Julia Lopez is a Litigation Law Clerk/JD in GT’s Sacramento office.

˘ Not admitted to the practice of law.

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