Warren Resources Updates Recent California Developments

NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Warren Resources, Inc. (Nasdaq:WRES)
today announced that, on August 26, 2008, the California South Coast Air Quality
Management District ("SCAQMD") Hearing Board issued its Findings and Decision
approving Warren's use and operation of six microturbines and the installation
of additional, low-emission equipment at its Wilmington Townlot Unit ("WTU")
central facility under an agreed Order for Abatement. Warren previously
installed and has been operating the microturbines since November 2007 under an
agreement with the SCAQMD. The microturbines have the dual benefit of (1)
generating electric power that is used at the WTU central facility (thereby
reducing demand for outside electricity), and (2) helping reduce the natural gas
produced at the WTU that is otherwise flared. The Decision resolved a number of
other outstanding permitting and related issues with the SCAQMD and requires the
Company to comply with certain operating parameters, including limiting the
amount of oil field gas combused in the existing Flare King to no more than
94,285 standard cubic feet per day. The Decision by the SCAQMD came after
well-attended public hearings on August 13 and 14, 2008.

Warren is also in the process of completing a California Environmental Quality
Act ("CEQA") analysis for the SCAQMD's review. Certification of the CEQA
analysis by the SCAQMD is expected in the fourth quarter of 2008, and permits to
install the new equipment should be issued shortly thereafter. These pending
permits request approval to install the best available control technology
equipment, including a compressor for gas reinjection (and ultimately gas
sales), a low NOx heater-treater and a clean enclosed burner to replace the
existing gas flare. Once approved and Warren installs the gas reinjection
system, gas flaring at the WTU will be virtually eliminated, except on an
emergency back-up basis.

Norman F. Swanton, Warren's chief executive officer, said, "We are delighted the
SCAQMD agreed with our self-contained power generating microturbines that help
generate electricity and provide cleaner air for all here in Southern
California. We also look forward to the completing the CEQA analysis in the
fourth quarter of 2008 and subsequently installing a natural gas re-injection
system as soon as possible. It is our desire to re-inject and eventually sell
all of the associated natural gas produced from the WTU thereby eliminating the
gas flare, except on an emergency basis."

Former Major Oil Company Executive to Run California North Wilmington Unit Field
Operations

Warren also announced the hiring of Mr. Ron J. Morin, a senior oil and gas
industry executive with 28 years of experience, as the Development Team Leader
-- North Wilmington Unit. He will be primarily responsible for the management of
development and production operations of Warren's North Wilmington Unit ("NWU")
oil field in Wilmington, California.

From 1978 to 2005, Ron held various operating positions with Unocal Corporation,
an NYSE listed, California-based, oil and gas company that was acquired by
Chevron in August 2005 for $18 billion. At Unocal, he handled various
responsibilities, including development and production operations, engineering,
field development planning, acquisitions, strategic planning, and worldwide
operations risk management regarding environmental, health and safety, as well
as investor relations.

Mr. Morin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1978
from The Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration degree
from Cornell University in 2001.

In making this announcement, Norman F. Swanton said, "We are extremely pleased
and excited to have Ron Morin joining our senior operations team. He is a highly
qualified oil and gas executive who will have an immediate impact on our
organization. His extensive experience in the planning and implementing of oil
and gas development and production operations directly supports our aggressive
development and growth plan of our NWU oil field in California."

About Warren Resources

Warren Resources, Inc. is a growth oriented independent energy company engaged
in the exploration and production of domestic oil and natural gas reserves.
Warren's activities are primarily focused on producing oil in the Wilmington
field in California and coalbed methane natural gas in the Washakie Basin in
Wyoming. The Company is headquartered in New York, New York, and its exploration
and development subsidiary, Warren E&P, Inc., has offices in Casper, Wyoming and
Long Beach, California.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. Warren believes that its expectations are based on
reasonable assumptions. No assurance, however, can be given that such
expectations will prove to have been correct. A number of factors could cause
actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or
other expectations expressed in this news release. See "Risk Factors" in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other public filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov).

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CONTACT: Warren Resources, Inc.
Media Contact:
David Fleming
(212) 697-9660