California’s new legislative session began this week, December 2, ushering in 27 newly-elected leaders, representing every corner of California. Among the many challenges they’ll face, few are as critical—or as complex—as ensuring Californians have access to energy that is affordable, reliable, and produced under the world’s strictest environmental standards.
Energy policy has never been more consequential. With a new president in D.C. and fresh faces in Sacramento, the stakes are higher than ever. Just months ago, state lawmakers held special hearings to better understand the basics of how gasoline reaches tens of millions of consumers in western states. It’s clear that informed decision-making is desperately needed.
I’ve worked with legislators for decades and have watched them come and go. This last election sent a powerful message: voters in California—and across the nation—are tired of being ignored. They’re demanding leaders who prioritize common-sense solutions over ideologies, especially when it comes to issues that hit their wallets and daily lives. It’s time to get back to pocketbook pragmatism.
Some leaders already get it. Senator Melissa Hurtado, D-Bakersfield, recently criticized the state’s update to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard that can significantly increase gas prices—by an estimated $0.85 per gallon by 2030 and nearly $1.50 per gallon by 2035, according to one economist. “At a time when people are already struggling to make ends meet,” she said, “this is a slap in the face.”
Our industry, too, has felt this frustration. Oil and gas companies—and the thousands of hardworking women and men who keep California running—have been scapegoated for political gain while complex problems go unsolved. Poll after poll shows voters are fed up with this approach. They want practical leadership that considers real trade-offs and ensures progress doesn’t come at the expense of their quality of life.
We all share the goal of cleaner air and a healthier planet. But ignoring the trade-offs of poorly designed policies, especially when they drive up the cost of living, only deepens the divide between leaders and the people they serve. This new legislature has an opportunity to break this cycle, starting now.
We urge lawmakers to meet with us early, ask tough questions, and better understand the challenges of delivering energy to the world’s fifth-largest economy. Together, we can tackle what experts have pointed out are the most urgent issues related to production, ports, pipelines and processing —what we call “The Four P’s.”
Production: With permitting for California oil fields at a standstill, how will the state ensure it can meet the state’s energy demands without increasing carbon emissions and costs?
Ports: How will California’s already congested ports handle the increased volume of crude oil and fuel imports without risking greater and more frequent price spikes?
Pipelines: With in-state production sharply declining, how does the state plan to maintain a reliable fuel supply when pipelines require a minimum 30% throughput to remain operational?
Processing: After 2025, with only eight refineries left, how will California ensure affordable fuel processing for consumers?
Our industry is committed to providing affordable, reliable energy while embracing the challenges of a cleaner future. We’re extending an open door to every legislator. California’s energy challenges require collaboration, not conflict.
The choices made in Sacramento will determine whether families can afford to fill their gas tanks, keep the lights on, and provide for their futures. Let’s ensure those decisions are driven by facts, fairness, and a shared commitment to the people we all serve.
Catherine Reheis-Boyd has served as the president and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) since January 2010.
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