A new deputy district supervisor for District 4 of the Department of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources (“DOGGR”) will take the helm on May 1 of this year. Dan Wermiel - a geologist and  previously DOGGR’s technical program manager - will head the Bakersfield district office in Kern County.

As with all new leadership changes in the oil and gas regulatory sphere, industry groups are most concerned about the continuity of permitting for new and ongoing oil and gas exploration and development projects. Industry groups such as the California Independent Petroleum Association have announced public support for Wermeil’s promotion to deputy district supervisor, on the basis that Wermeil’s experience and knowledge of the industry will result in this necessary continuity in the permitting process.

The Bakersfield district office is responsible for DOGGR’s most productive district, as Kern County is responsible for more 70% of the oil and 30% of the natural gas produced in California.

Tim Kustic - the current DOGGR Supervisor - will also be retiring from his post at the end of this month. No official announcement of Mr. Kustic’s replacement has been made.