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Posted on 02/20/2026 7:42:27 AM PST by MAGA2017
In America’s most populous state, a self-inflicted energy crisis is brewing—one that threatens not just California’s economy but the nation’s security. Governor Gavin Newsom’s aggressive push toward Net Zero emissions by 2045 has accelerated the decline of the state’s oil and gas industry, leading to refinery closures, skyrocketing fuel prices, and increased reliance on foreign imports. This vulnerability exposes California—and by extension, the U.S.—to geopolitical risks from unstable oil suppliers like Brazil, Iraq, and Ecuador. But there’s a viable solution on the horizon: new pipelines from Texas that could deliver domestic gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, bolstering energy independence while easing the burden on consumers. The question is whether Newsom’s administration will permit them amid its environmental agenda.
California’s energy landscape has been dramatically reshaped under Governor Newsom, who has positioned himself as a climate champion. His administration has implemented a suite of policies aimed at phasing out fossil fuels, including extending the cap-and-trade program through 2045, mandating electric vehicle adoption, and imposing stringent regulations on oil production and refining. These measures align with the state’s goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2045, which includes slashing oil use by 91%, cutting air pollution by 60%, and reducing refinery pollution by 94%. However, these ambitions have come at a steep cost. High taxes, fees, and regulatory burdens—such as bans on new offshore leases, well stimulation treatments, and requirements for special gasoline blends—have made operating in California increasingly untenable for energy companies.
Oil production has plummeted by about 35% since Newsom took office in 2019, with new drilling permits largely halted.
Refineries, once numbering over 40, are now down to a handful, with major closures announced by Phillips 66 (its 139,000 barrels per day Los Angeles-area complex by late 2025) and Valero (its 150,000 b/d Benicia refinery by April 2026).
(Excerpt) Read more at energynewsbeat.co ...
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More from the article:
The Pipeline Solution: Capacity, Timeline, and Investment Potential
The proposed pipelines from Texas represent a practical fix, enabling secure, domestic fuel transport to California and neighboring states. These projects could ship substantial volumes of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, offsetting refinery losses and stabilizing prices.Key initiatives include:
Western Gateway Pipeline (Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan): A 1,300-mile system delivering up to 200,000 b/d from Borger, Texas, to Phoenix, Arizona, and onward to Colton, California, via reversed existing lines. It connects Midcontinent supplies, with access to Las Vegas. Startup targeted for 2029, pending permits.
Sun Belt Connector (ONEOK): A 440-mile greenfield line from El Paso, Texas, to Phoenix, with 200,000 b/d capacity for long-haul movements from Houston and Oklahoma. Expected mid-to-late 2029 operation.
HF Sinclair Expansions: Multi-phased upgrades to Pioneer and UNEV pipelines, adding up to 150,000 b/d from the Rockies to Nevada and California. Initial 35,000 b/d by 2028, with further expansions post-FID in mid-2026.
Collectively, these could transport 550,000+ b/d of fuels, covering a significant portion of California’s needs (which total around 1.5 million b/d for gasoline alone). Construction timelines range from 3-4 years, aligning with escalating closures. These pipelines would reduce reliance on costly marine imports, potentially lowering pump prices by increasing supply competition.For investors, these projects highlight opportunities in resilient midstream companies. Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) and Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI) offer stable dividends and growth from Western Gateway. ONEOK (NYSE: OKE) stands out for its Sun Belt ambitions, while HF Sinclair (NYSE: DINO) provides upstream exposure with pipeline upside. These firms are well-positioned amid U.S. energy shifts, with strong balance sheets to navigate permitting hurdles.
The Big Question: Will Newsom Permit It?
Not a fan given it would be across state lines and likely they would want it to be a federal project.
Is Ca wants to pay for it themselves fine but do not use my federal dollars for it.
Yeah, I would prefer that California elects sane leadership and fixes their own mess.
> The proposed pipelines from Texas represent a practical fix… <
That would tear up a lot of land all over the West. Would the California greenie weenies be okay with that?
🤔
yours:
“The proposed pipelines from Texas represent a practical fix…
That would tear up a lot of land all over the West. Would the California greenie weenies be okay with that?
Mine:
your question is an excellent one.
I think, upon reflection, the answer is YES - they would be okay with it.
This prognostication is based on these facts:
1. they are happy, indeed they have pushed for more importation if electrical power into California from other states. Not only is long-distance transmission of electricity inefficient (lots of power losses along the way due to simple resistance, etc.)... but also....much of the imported power is generated from coal-fired plants (with all of the environmental impacts of coal mining and coal burning).
2. they are happy to push more more and more electrical cars... which exacerbate the above environmental harms AND ALSO use materials that are mined (largely in south America, etc) in huge earth-scarring open pit mines (you can see ugly pictures on internet)...often with what amount to slave labor (extremely low paid, poor or non-existent health or safety protections).
In short, the Californication Green Weenies would, imho, be very happy for any environmentally-damaging (or human well-being, health and safety damaging) mega-projects......so long as the adverse impacts are ELSEWHERE and at least not visible in California itself.
and provided that there was still plenty of bribe, political contribution hush money available for the Calif political elite (of course). They won’t approve anything without the Bejamins
“.so long as the adverse impacts are ELSEWHERE and at least not visible in California itself”
That’s what is done here.
The populace in California has no idea where their power comes from. Most of them have either never been east of the state line or they’re simply foreigners and have never left the Bay Area or the Los Angeles basin.
Those are not exaggerations. You have to live here to understand how alien it’s become.
But anyway...externalizing icky things like power plants is how the Baby Boomer Leftists stay in power while babbling Climate Change hysteria rap.
don’t ya’ know: democrats have declared pipelines EVIIIIIIIIILLL!
I grew up in Tahoe. Every gas station closed. That was the life blood of our boyhood economy.
For some reason Californians can’t figure out that the reason Democrats foment this kind of chaos in the society is in order to hide the Party’s corruption.
Newsom, who has positioned himself as a climate champion.
Because it’s trendy and the kickbacks are sweet and plentiful.
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