oil imports Archives

by Ann Alexander, NRDC

Highlights

California has been importing more oil as its extraction in state has begun to wind down due to clean cars and fuel standards decreasing our need for oil
Many argue that the import of oil from other countries is worse than drilling in state
California has yet to pass a setback rule that bans having oil wells near homes and schools, making the argument that oil drilling in state is not any better than importing
Refineries are turning to imported crude oil not to meet consumer needs but to capitalize on exporting the refined products
A report by Communities for a Better Environment highlights the ways California’s refineries are blocking the state from reaching climate goals and polluting cities
California refineries now export more than 200,000 barrels of refined products per day
Though oil production levels have been declining, the refining sector has been increasing and growing their export markets
Refining uses mass amounts of energy and releases tons of toxic pollution

Fossil fuel divestment and the transition to 100% clean energy is critical to achieving The Climate Center’s goals under the Climate-Safe California Platform.