Republican Congressman Vince Fong has raised alarms about California’s diminishing oil supply, labeling it a potential national security risk. His comments come as Phillips 66 confirms the closure of its refinery in Southern California by the end of this year, alongside the impending shutdown of Valero’s refinery in Benicia this upcoming Spring. Together, these refineries account for approximately 20% of California’s refining capacity.
Fong expressed his grave concerns during an interview with California Politics 360, emphasizing the broader implications of the state’s energy crisis. “We have an energy crisis in our state,” he stated, highlighting that California’s supply issues extend beyond its borders, affecting neighboring states such as Nevada and Arizona.
A recent study cited by Fong indicates that the supply of jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline critical for the U.S. military could be compromised if the San Pablo Bay pipeline were to shut down due to inadequate oil flow. The timeline for such a scenario remains uncertain, but Fong warned that California’s policy decisions could have global repercussions.
“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 administration, but also the previous Biden administration,” Fong noted.
In light of the refinery closures, California lawmakers and Governor Gavin Newsom recently enacted legislation to expand oil drilling opportunities in Kern County. Despite these efforts, Fong remains skeptical. “It’s not enough,” he reiterated. He highlighted that California currently imports over 60% of its oil from foreign sources and suggested that the state utilize its available reserves to mitigate the crisis.
The situation underscores the complex interplay between state energy policies and national security, raising questions about the sustainability of California’s energy infrastructure moving forward.
For further insights, viewers can watch the full interview with Rep. Vince Fong on California Politics 360, airing Sundays at 08:30 a.m. on KCRA 3 and available on various affiliates across the state.
