California oil regulators deny issuance of 21 new fracking permits Published article McKITTRICK, CA - JULY 24, 2019: Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday tours the Chevron oil field west of Bakersfield where a spill of more than 900,000 gallons flowed into a dry creek bed. Newsom state the state needs to be more aggressive on regulating oi Expand SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California denied 21 oil drilling permits this week in the latest move toward ending fracking in a state that makes millions from the petroleum industry but is seeing widespread drought and more dangerous fire seasons linked to climate change. State Oil and Gas Supervisor Uduak-Joe Ntuk sent letters Thursday to Aera Energy denying permits to drill using hydraulic fracturing in two Kern County oil fields to "protect "public health and safety and environmental quality, including (the) reduction and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions."