California lawmakers introduced a last-minute deal that would streamline environmental approvals for up to 2,000 new wells annually in oil-rich Kern County, while tightening the regulatory requirements for offshore drilling.

The looming closure of two California refineries has become a sore spot for Gov. Gavin Newsom and for California Democrats, pitting their longtime clean-energy goals against concerns about the rising cost of living.

SACRAMENTO — Amid concerns that refinery closures could send gas prices soaring, California legislative leaders Wednesday introduced a last-minute deal aimed at increasing oil production to shore up the struggling fossil-fuel industry while further restricting offshore drilling.

The compromise, brokered by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Riv

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