Chevron says its laying off 56 of its Bakersfield-based employees.

The company says crude prices, which are down about $60 since June 2014, are to blame for that decision. Kern County has lost about 1,200 oilfield jobs since the end of last year.

Justin Salters released a statement to KUZZ-AM/FM on Thursday.

“In light of the current market environment, Chevron is taking action to reduce internal costs in multiple operating units and the corporate center.  These initiatives, which are currently underway, are focused on increasing efficiency, reducing costs and focusing on work that directly supports business priorities,” he said.

– Anthony Pollreisz