Kern County Outlines Energy and Budget Priorities for 2026

New board chairman highlights oil and gas permits, solar and battery projects, and budget challenges

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:31am

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In the 2026 Kern State of the County address, new Board of Supervisors chairman Phillip Peters outlined the county's priorities for the year ahead, including a resumption of oil and gas permit issuance, major investments in solar and battery energy storage projects, and significant budget challenges due to uncertainty around the state's fiscal outlook.

Why it matters

As a major energy-producing region, Kern County's policy decisions around oil and gas development, as well as its investments in renewable energy, will have significant implications for California's overall energy landscape and economy. The county's budget challenges also reflect the broader fiscal pressures facing local governments across the state.

The details

After years of uncertainty, Kern County has resumed issuing oil and gas permits, with nearly 300 permits received as of January 2nd and 127 new wells planned. In addition, the county is positioning itself as a national leader in solar and battery energy storage projects. However, budget challenges loom large, with uncertainty around the state's budget deficit, which could range from $3 billion to $18 billion, potentially impacting future county services.

  • The 2026 Kern State of the County address was held on Wednesday.
  • As of January 2nd, the county has received nearly 300 oil-related permits.

The players

Phillip Peters

The new chairman of the Kern County Board of Supervisors and District One supervisor, who delivered the 2026 State of the County address.

Kern County

A county in California that is a major energy-producing region and is now resuming oil and gas permit issuance while also investing in solar and battery energy storage projects.

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What they’re saying

“After years of uncertainty and relentless advocacy I am thrilled to say that Kern County is finally back in the business of issuing oil and gas permits.”

— Phillip Peters, Chairman, Kern County Board of Supervisors (KBAK)

“As well as solar and battery energy storage projects that make us here in Kern County not just a leader in energy for California but for the whole county.”

— Phillip Peters, Chairman, Kern County Board of Supervisors (KBAK)

“The big challenge we're going to be facing is around budgets.”

— Phillip Peters, Chairman, Kern County Board of Supervisors (KBAK)

What’s next

The Kern County Board of Supervisors will need to navigate the budget challenges posed by the state's fiscal uncertainty, while also overseeing the county's energy priorities, including the resumption of oil and gas permit issuance and the development of solar and battery storage projects.

The takeaway

Kern County's energy and budget priorities for 2026 reflect the county's central role in California's energy landscape, as well as the fiscal pressures facing local governments across the state. The county's ability to balance these competing priorities will be crucial in the year ahead.