On March 8, President Biden announced the U.S. will ban all oil imports from Russia. In 2021, California imported approximately 6% of its crude oil from Russia, which translates to 18,347,000 barrels. Kern County is responsible for more than 70% of the state’s oil production. Its state representative, Assemblyman Vince Fong, issued the following statement:

“With the price of gas creeping up to $7.59 per gallon, we need a stable and affordable energy supply.

“With disruptions in oil supplies, global demand from other countries will increase. We need more domestic production here in California, especially in Kern County.

“California producers are ready to do more to power our state.”

Assemblyman Vince Fong represents the 34th Assembly District, encompassing most of Kern County including the communities of Bakersfield, Bear Valley Springs, China Lake, Frazier Park, Golden Hills, Inyokern, Lebec, Oildale, Ridgecrest, Taft and Tehachapi.