California Oil Crisis Poses National Security Risk, Congressman Warns
California’s dwindling oil supply is emerging as a significant threat, not only to the state’s energy independence but also to national security, according to Republican Congressman Vince Fong. The Bakersfield-area representative recently discussed the escalating crisis on California Politics 360,highlighting the impending closure of two major refineries adn the potential ramifications for military readiness.
The impending closures of Phillips 66 in Los Angeles County – slated for the end of the year – and Valero in Benicia, scheduled for this spring, represent a loss of approximately 20% of California’s refining capacity.”we have an energy crisis in our state,” Fong stated, adding that the shortfall will impact neighboring states like Nevada and Arizona.
The situation extends beyond simple supply concerns. A recent study, conducted by the University of Southern California in partnership with Assembly member Stan Ellis, revealed a potential national security crisis. The study indicates that the jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline powering the U.S. military are heavily reliant on California’s refineries, particularly Valero, a major provider for military installations in Northern California.
“We are compounding everything, not only domestically here in california, but now globally if our military readiness is going to be put in jeopardy because of these shortsighted policies not only coming from the Newsom management, but also the previous, Biden administration,” Fong explained.
Adding to the urgency is the potential shutdown of the San Pablo Bay pipeline, a critical piece of infrastructure that transports oil from the Central valley to the Bay Area. According to Fong, the pipeline is currently operating without a consistent flow of oil, placing its future in jeopardy. “If that pipeline closes, then…how are our refineries going to get the oil that is produced domestically? It can’t,” he stated. The alternative – shipping oil to ports for import – would significantly increase costs and reliance on foreign sources.
California currently imports approximately 60% of its oil from foreign countries, including Iraq and Brazil. Fong advocates for increased domestic production, suggesting a tenfold increase in permitted drilling in the Central Valley and Southern California, as well as utilizing existing offshore reserves. “Imagine these reserves that are right now off the coast of California. those reserves could come to california right now, but if not, then those…that oil will get sent to South Korea, will be sent to India…to be refined as gasoline,” he said. “And if California is facing a gasoline shortage…then California is going to buy back its own reserves at a higher cost.”
While California lawmakers and Governor Newsom recently passed legislation allowing for more oil drilling in Kern County, Fong deemed the measure insufficient. He pointed to the state’s daily oil consumption – between 1.4 and 1.8 million barrels – compared to its domestic production of 400,000 barrels, highlighting the vast gap that remains.
The affordability crisis is also a key concern, with California gas prices consistently higher than the national average.
Here’s a substantive news report answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:
Why: California faces a potential energy and national security crisis due to dwindling oil supply and refinery closures. The state’s reliance on a limited number of refineries,particularly for military fuel needs,makes it vulnerable to disruptions.
Who: Republican Congressman Vince Fong is warning about the crisis. key players include Phillips 66, Valero
