Skip to main content

KBAK/KBFX-TV (CBS & FOX Bakersfield): Pro-Oil jobs petition, signed by 3,000 to be delivered to Gov. Newsom

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., (KBAK/KBFX) — Governor Newsom has proposed to lower fossil fuels that can create climate change and still generate jobs, but politicians and workers in the oil and petroleum industry say this can't happen.

"I've been able to provide for my family thanks to a great career in oil and gas and it's helped out so many veterans like myself but also provides jobs to thousands of people across California," Javier Zavala with Sentinel Peak Resources, said.

Zavala is one of several workers in the oil or petroleum industry and says the industry is what provides for his family and many others too.

Last September, Governor Gavin Newsom announced he would aggressively move the state away from its reliance on fossil fuels, which can cause climate change. He issued an executive order requiring sales of all new passenger vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035.

At least 3,000 local energy workers and supporters have signed a petition and will be delivering it to the governor by Friday. The petition urges the governor to prioritize domestic energy over imports from other countries.