Will Trump’s Push to Drill on California Public Lands be More Successful This Time Around?

Inside Climate News · By Blanca Begert · last updated January 16, 2026 – 12:06 AM

The BLM has revived its effort to open more of California’s public lands to oil extraction. But its strategy has changed little since the agency’s earlier attempt in 2019 and drillers may not be interested.

By Blanca Begert

While President Donald Trump pursues Venezuelan oil reserves abroad, his administration continues to double down on efforts to expand drilling in the United States, most recently in California.

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