by Katy Grimes, E&E Legal Senior Media Fellow and California Globe Editor
As Appearing in the California Globe
California’s in-state oil production has declined by approximately 65% since 2001, while its dependency on foreign imports has risen by nearly 70%
“Has California’s Oil And Gas Industry Hit The Point Of No Return?” the California Globe asked Monday, after learning from a long time oil and gas expert that the state may actually have crossed a line too far to claw back the shutdowns of refineries, or those about to shut down.
California’s highest-in-the-nation gas prices are self-inflected, as is the gasoline crisis in the state. This has subsequently increased dependency on foreign oil suppliers and shippers to supply fuels, and as we reported recently, this poses a direct threat to U.S. military force readiness on the West Coast, as California Assemblyman Stan Ellis, USC Professor Professor Michael Mische, and petroleum expert Michael Ariza warned recently in their report, “CALIFORNIA ENERGY & FUEL POLICIES: A CLEAR AND PRESENT THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY AND FORCE READINESS?”
On Monday, USC Professor Michael A. Mische, UC Berkeley Professors James W. Rector, and Joseph B. Silvi issued another report on California’s Oil and Gas Conundrum. But this one is a blueprint for recovery.
As we have reported and the professors reiterate, “California faces immediate risks to gasoline supply due to declining in-state production, refinery closures, and an imminent northbound pipeline collapse.”
