Energy Secretary Wright Says California Energy Policies Threaten National Security

” Wright made the remarks as average gasoline prices in the state rose above $6 per gallon, more than two dollars higher than the national average, following the arrival of the final Middle East oil tanker at the Port of Long Beach amid global supply disruptions.

California sits atop the fifth-largest proven oil reserves in the United States yet imports more than 60 percent of its crude oil. The state has become an “oil island” with no pipelines connecting it to the broader U.S. supply network and maintains only about a 10-day fuel inventory.

Roughly 20 percent of its gasoline supply comes from CARB-compliant fuel produced by Asian refiners, with tanker transit times across the Pacific ranging from 25 to 45 days. In-state oil production has fallen roughly 75 percent since its peak in the 1980s.

Two major refineries closed in the past year: Phillips 66’s Carson/Wilmington facility and Valero’s Benicia operation. Those closures reduced the state’s refining capacity by 17 to 18 percent. California also levies the nation’s highest state gas tax at 61.2 cents per gallon.

Wright noted that California is home to more than 30 military installations. He said the state’s policies have left U.S. forces and a significant portion of the national economy dependent on imported oil. The Trump administration invoked the Defense Production Act to restart the Santa Ynez pipeline system off Santa Barbara County.

Officials said the project would boost in-state production by approximately 15 percent and displace nearly 1.5 million barrels of foreign crude per month.

During a televised debate on May 5, Democratic candidates for governor, all of whom are seeking to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, attributed high fuel prices to federal policies under President Donald Trump. Republican candidate Steve Hilton responded that the price difference resulted from state policies supported by the Democratic candidates.

California’s gasoline prices remain more than $2 per gallon above the national average. University of Southern California Prof. Michael Mische said the state’s dependence on imported fuel resulted from years of regulations, a cap-and-trade system, Low Carbon Fuel Standards, electric vehicle mandates and permitting delays.

” The state continues to pursue its decarbonization policies. No immediate change in direction has been announced by Sacramento officials following the latest price surge.