Kern County's new bet: Carbon removal industry as a lifeline

In California's Kern County, a bold shift from traditional oil production to carbon removal projects is seen as a potential economic savior and a step toward meeting the state's climate goals.

Emma Foehringer Merchant, Inside Climate News, and Joshua Yeager, KVPR

In short:

Kern County, historically reliant on oil, is pivoting to carbon capture and storage to combat economic and climate challenges.
The county's plan includes potentially transformative projects, but faces environmental and community concerns.
This strategic shift aims to align with California's ambitious target of removing 100 million metric tons of carbon by 2045.

Key quote:

"It’s existential. What is this place going to look like in 30 years? What’s it going to look like in five?"

— Lorelei Oviatt, Kern County's director of planning and natural resources.

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