Big Oil’s campaign to influence the political system and the journalists that cover it has real world consequences in California, where oil drilling permits have skyrocketed in recent weeks. In a major display of Big Oil’s continuing political power in California, a total of 897 oil drilling permits have been approved since the start of the year by CalGEM, the state’s oil and gas regulator. There is no doubt that WSPA and Big Oil have for years worked closely with media outlets. Yes, the Western States Petroleum Association was one of the sponsors of these awards last year also. push by Big Oil — and the apparent embrace of this campaign by journalists — truly marks the end of political satire in "green" California.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 08, 2023 09:41 UTC