Senator Stern: Governor Newsom’s Swift Action “Demonstrated a Decisive Instinct When it Comes to Cleaning up California’s Petroleum Sector”

CALABASAS – Senator Henry Stern today issued the following statement applauding Governor Newsom’s swift action to dismiss a top oil regulator found to own shares in major oil companies:

“I am grateful to the watchdogs and muckrakers out there who play an indispensable role in oil and gas industry oversight. The Newsom Administration’s reaction was swift and principled and will help us rebuild public trust that DOGGR is on their side. 

We have a few bills we are working on to ensure more chemical transparency and financial accountability for oil and gas operations, and to realign the mission of this beleaguered division with that of its department within the Natural Resources Agency: a mission of Conservation.

The Governor just demonstrated a decisive instinct when it comes to cleaning up California’s petroleum sector, so we are optimistic about new partnership to conduct oversight and improve our laws and regulations.

California is both a global climate leader and a petroleum state. We must reconcile this harsh reality.”