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 BegertWhile 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.
Observations from the Little Bunker
Last updated: January 16, 2026 12:22 PM
Atmospheric CO₂
428.7 ppm
+18.1
ppm/year
Atmospheric CH₄
1940.59 ppb
+-0.24
ppb/year
Global Temperature
+1.48 °C
Peak: +1.73°C
World Population
8.1 billion
+67
million/year