Within four years, Kern River was producing seven out of every 10 barrels of oil recovered in the state, with California the country's top oil-producing state.
Kern County plays a critical role in satisfying the nation s energy needs.
Kern County produces 66 percent of California s crude oil, approximately 570,000 barrels of oil per day, and 82 percent of the state s onshore production. This represents ten percent of the nation s oil production and one percent of the total world s production. 33,000 of California s 43,000 oil-producing wells are located in Kern County. About 2,500 wells were drilled in Kern County in 2000, more than in any county in the nation. Recent development in the East Lost Hills, Semitropic and North Shafter areas, signify the potential for deep oil and gas discoveries and an economic benefit for Kern County.