Both candidates for governor know they're inheriting a big mess; that we have to stop playing politics and start coming together when it comes to protecting what’s left of California’s oil and gas supply. We need to bring people together to attract investment and make life affordable for Californians. More of what I shared with NBCs @ZavalaA about what needs to happen after the Nov. 3 election:

California needs all the energy we can get - in the last year, we’ve lost almost 20% of our refining capacity while fuel demand has barely budged. We have to be honest about the fact that our economy will run on gasoline, diesel and jet fuel for decades into the future. And we have to reform our state policies so all Californians can afford these basic necessities. More of what I discussed with @kcranews @ZavalaA here about what's waiting for leaders once the election results have settled.

We're happy to see CA-MBA expanding its work into the State Capitol and Sacramento region. They recently recognized WSPA Sr. Director Argelia León for leadership on @Levantatuvozorg. Latino families and businesses need more voices shaping an affordable energy future that promotes practical policy solutions. Watch Argelia and CA-MBA for their vision of what must change in California. #LevantaTuVoz mballiance.org/about?utm_sou…

Congratulations to Argelia Leon and the entire Levanta Tu Voz team on this award!

Great article from Axios today explaining why increased diesel costs translate into increased costs to harvest our crops and truck our food and goods. Here in California, diesel prices are the highest in the nation at $7.15/gallon because state policies have made the refining business unstable, with consequences that ripple through the entire economy. As we close out the legislative session, it’s time for us to come together with policies that strengthen our energy infrastructure, not pull us apart with political posturing. axios.com/2026/08/24/diesel-…

"Death by one thousand jurisdictions." That is the reality oil and gas operators face every single day in California. My message on stage at POLITICO's The California Agenda: Sacramento Summit was basically this: if we want to stabilize the cost of living for families, then policymakers must prioritize protecting the energy foundation we (still) have left. We are in a supply crisis. Consumer demand remains high. If you're making policy decisions, you cannot pull us in opposite directions while expecting prices to drop. We need regulatory stability, clear rules, and a shared commitment to keeping energy reliable and affordable. Thank you to the POLITICO Live team for convening the event. It was amazing to see so many people working to highlight the important issues facing California including our energy future. If we want to make California affordable again, regulatory stability is essential. The products oil and gas companies deliver to consumers are essential.  It is critical that we protect our remaining energy infrastructure. @POLITICOLive

Families need relief at the pump, not more strain on their budgets. California's At-Berth Regulation adds cost and uncertainty for refiners and importers. Congress is moving forward so Californians do not have to face a further constrained fuel supply. foxnews.com/video/6403158562…

I’ll be speaking next week from the stage at the @POLITICO California Agenda: Sacramento Summit.  The conversation will focus heavily on the harsh realities facing California’s fuel supply. We are down to six refineries in California and importing fuel can only go so far, leaving us with a critical need to protect what’s left of our refining capacity.  With consumers at a breaking point and demand remaining strong throughout every corner of the state, we need sensible policies that are both pragmatic and possible.  Californians need solutions that address volatility and uncertainty, not more politics.  I’m looking forward to all the conversations on stage next week but particularly those that will help our leaders understand the importance of pulling together to support reasonable actions to address what’s ahead. The summit is next Tuesday, August 11, at noon PDT - register to participate virtually or join the in-person waitlist at: politicosacsummit26virtual.s…

This Pacific Premium report attributes much of the gap between California’s gasoline prices and the national average to state taxes and environmental policies. Simmons correctly points out that "It's aggressive regulation, especially on the refineries. It’s high gas taxes. These things add up, and they compound over time.” California and other Western states have continued to enact unrealistic energy policies while basic fuel affordability and reliability receive too little attention. Not to mention, increasing reliance on imports is not a dependable solution. We must consider supply security and environmental consequences. Supporting in-state refineries that provide good paying jobs is a commonsense decision that will strengthen California’s economy and protect consumers. Oil and gas products have been and will continue to be essential to the economy and daily life of Californians and the other Western states. There is no doubt we are still in the infancy of this transition. Policies that ignore our current energy realities and drive costs higher should not be called "progress.” instituteforenergyresearch.o…

A hard hat. An American flag. And generations of people who have helped power our nation. Happy 250th Birthday, America. 🇺🇸 #America250 #IndependenceDay #Energy