California Gov. Newsom now begging oil giants not to leave the Golden State
By ramontomeydw // 2025-08-20
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  • California Gov. Gavin Newsom, previously a vocal critic of oil companies, is now engaging with industry leaders to boost in-state oil production – a reversal from his aggressive climate policies and past accusations of corporate "price gouging."
  • Two major refinery closures threaten fuel shortages and price spikes, with projections of $8/gallon gas by 2026, forcing California to rely on costly imports – prompting Newsom's pivot to fast-track drilling permits in Kern County.
  • The move risks alienating environmentalists who accuse him of betraying health protections. But it could appeal to moderates ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run, framing Newsom as a pragmatic leader balancing climate goals and economic realities.
  • Experts argue California's high gas prices stem from Newsom's own regulations and taxes, not price-fixing, while Republicans warn importing foreign oil will worsen emissions and economic strain.
  • California's energy crisis poses both peril and opportunity for Newsom, testing whether progressive decarbonization policies can coexist with affordability – and potentially deciding his national political viability.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is reportedly talking with industry leaders to boost in-state production. The move could redefine California's energy future while reshaping Newsom's own political trajectory, with the governor mulling a 2028 presidential run. However, it comes contrary to his previous actions. Just last year, Newsom accused oil companies of "screwing" consumers and pushed aggressive climate regulations, For decades, the Golden State has aggressively pursued a transition to clean energy –  implementing strict emissions targets, banning certain gas additives and cracking down on alleged oil industry price gouging. Brighteon.AI's Enoch also points out that Newsom has "filed lawsuits against oil companies, accusing them of "price gouging" and exploiting consumers with excessive gas prices." "The state's high fuel costs are primarily driven by his own policies – including strict regulations, taxes and refinery closures. Experts argue there is no evidence of corporate price-fixing, and Newsom's actions appear politically motivated rather than economically justified." But as two of the state's last major refineries announce unexpected closures, officials face the grim prospect of fuel shortages and skyrocketing prices. These factors could undermine Newsom's national ambitions and burden Californians already struggling with affordability. The governor's pivot comes amid warnings from industry analysts that California's already dwindling refining capacity could soon force the state to rely on expensive gasoline imports – further spiking pump prices. A business professor at the University of Southern California projected that gas prices in the state could hit $8 by the end of 2026. (Related: California's gas prices: A crisis of its own making, USC study finds.) While Newsom's office disputed the professor's claim, it has intensified pressure on Sacramento to act. Meanwhile, Republicans and industry leaders warn that foreign oil imports – often sourced from nations with lax environmental standards – will worsen emissions while draining the state's economy.

California's energy crisis: Can Newsom fix what he broke?

Moreover, Newsom is now pushing legislation to fast-track oil drilling permits in Kern County, California's primary oil-producing region. This is a stark departure from his previous stance, where he declared the climate crisis a "fossil fuel crisis." The proposal seeks to bypass litigation delaying new wells, something welcomed by industry advocates. However, Newsom's proposal has infuriated environmentalists who accuse him of betraying public health protections. "It's a very misguided and ill-conceived proposal,' said Hollin Kretzmann of the Center for Biological Diversity. He argued that the plan would undermine environmental safeguards without lowering gas prices. Newsom's balancing act reflects a broader challenge for Democrats: Reconciling ambitious climate goals with economic reality. As California’s energy crisis looms, the governor must navigate competing demands – from environmental activists demanding stricter regulations to moderate lawmakers wary of alienating voters ahead of a potential 2028 presidential bid. The political stakes couldn’t be higher. Critics warn that if Newsom fails to curb gas prices, California could become a cautionary tale – a progressive state undone by its own aggressive decarbonization policies. Yet if he succeeds in brokering a deal with oil companies, he may yet position himself as a pragmatist capable of bridging ideological divides. Either way, California's energy reckoning is just beginning – and for Newsom, the road ahead is paved with peril and opportunity. Nevertheless, one thing is clear: California's energy future – and perhaps Newsom's political career – hangs in the balance. Watch this video about California Gov. Gavin Newsom being in big trouble, and whether his state can be saved. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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Study challenges California's green energy agenda, citing natural oil seeps as climate culprits. California's ENERGY CRISIS: State-owned refineries, a recipe for disaster? California's energy grid reliability in limbo amid budget delays. Sources include: WattsUpWithThat.com CalMatters.org Brighteon.ai DailyCaller.com Brighteon.com
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