As California continues to clean up air and climate pollution, oil refineries will inevitably close. With wind and solar already more economically competitive than fossil fuels, the transition to a clean energy economy is already underway; it’s just a question of how we get there. Will it be a smooth or bumpy road?
The abrupt, impending closures of the Phillips 66 refinery in Wilmington and the Valero refinery in Benicia raise concerns about environmental, economic, and workforce transitions. Together, these two refineries produce about 17 percent of the state’s gasoline supply. If both close as planned, the state could face gasoline supply shortfalls in 2026 and beyond.
Governor Newsom and other state leaders must proactively address these refinery closures to hold fossil fuel corporations accountable and prevent unpredictable gas price spikes. For the sake of our planet, we must phase out fossil fuels and transition to a clean energy future that leaves no one behind. This transition must also protect the frontline communities near refineries who experience disproportionate health impacts, the oil and gas workers whose livelihoods will be disrupted, and gasoline consumers in California who are vulnerable to market shocks.
Tell Governor Newsom to protect frontline communities, oil and gas workers, and everyday Californians with a managed transition plan for closing refineries.
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