California OKs First Fracking Permits Since July

摘要

California has green-lighted the hydraulic fracturing of 24 wells in Kern County-the first such approvals since last July-despite having one of the most aggressive anti-fossil fuel policies of any state.Aera Energy said the permits will allow it to sell the associated gas produced from the oil wells,thereby helping to ensure the state has a balanced energy mix.But green groups call the move a sneak attack by an administration they thought was on their side.Aera drilled the wells in the North Belridge and South Belridge oil fields near Bakersfield.But Aera spokeswoman Cindy Pollard told Energy Intelligence that the company could not complete them until the state issued fracking permits,which it had not done for any firm in nine months.