MJP –
In light of the ongoing decline in crude oil output in Kern County, a Texas-based oil field services company plans to lay off over twenty local employees next month.
In a letter sent to county officials on Wednesday, Schlumberger (SLB) announced its intention to let off 28 workers at its 6120 Snow Road location as of October 29.
Nine people work as operators of various types of machinery. Supervisors, operators of bulk plants, and maintenance mechanics make up the remaining workforce.
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As a result of the ongoing phase-out of in-state petroleum production, which is partially caused by the Newsom administration, oil permitting in the state has nearly come to a standstill, which is why the statement was made at this time.
A long-running environmental lawsuit has prevented the county from implementing its rule to streamline the permitting process, although the county has attempted to accomplish so on its own.
Beyond the loss of jobs, the downturn is affecting other areas as well. The county’s June forecast for a 25% year-over-year decline in tax revenue from Kern petroleum sites was due, in large part, to delays in approving necessary permits.
A request for comment was not promptly addressed by Schlumberger.
