California Oil Regulator Cites Climate, GHGs In Denying Fracking Permits

California’s chief oil and gas regulator is citing climate change risks and state efforts to reduce greenhouse gases in denying 21 applications to hydraulically fracture wells for oil extraction, carrying out Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) major shift in the state’s policy toward oil production. “In exercising my discretion to decide whether permits should be granted or denied, the law requires me to consider risks to public health, natural resources, environmental quality, and the effort to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In...