The permanent shutdown of the Phillips 66 Los Angeles refinery by end of 2025 and Valero's Benicia refinery closure in April 2026 are projected to cut California's refining capacity by nearly 20%. Analysts warn gas prices could rise to $7–$8 per gallon, with particular impact on Los Angeles County residents and commuters. The closures have triggered bipartisan concern about energy supply stability and cost-of-living pressures.
How should Los Angeles County and California respond to major oil refinery closures threatening to spike gas prices?
How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue
No quiz question covers this exact issue — showing responses to the closest one, Environment.
38% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).
Liberal43%
Lean liberal25%
Moderate15%
Lean conservative6%
Conservative11%
Where do you stand?
How should Los Angeles County and California respond to major oil refinery closures threatening to spike gas prices?
The closure of Valero's Benicia refinery in April 2026 and the permanent shutdown of Phillips 66's Los Angeles refinery by the end of 2025 are projected to cut California's refining capacity by nearly 20%. The expected disruption has triggered bipartisan alarm over fuel price spikes and energy supply instability. Some analysts believe that California gas prices could rise to between $7 and $8 a gallon.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
Accelerate transition to electric vehicles and public transit to eliminate dependence on gasoline entirely.
Invest in renewable energy infrastructure so refinery closures become irrelevant over time.
Keep existing refineries open while managing a gradual energy transition with consumer cost protections.
Pause further refinery closures and conduct a state review of energy supply impacts before proceeding.
Reverse environmental regulations that forced refinery closures and restore California's full refining capacity.
LA refinery closures and gas prices
The permanent shutdown of Phillips 66’s Los Angeles refinery by the end of 2025, alongside other California refinery closures, is projected to cut the state’s refining capacity by nearly 20%. This has raised bipartisan concerns about fuel price spikes, with some analysts projecting California gas prices could reach $7–$8 a gallon, affecting affordability and energy supply stability in Los Angeles County and statewide.
How should California and Los Angeles County respond to refinery closures and potential sharp increases in gas prices?
How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue
No quiz question covers this exact issue — showing responses to the closest one, Environment.
38% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).
Liberal43%
Lean liberal25%
Moderate15%
Lean conservative6%
Conservative11%
Where do you stand?
How should California and Los Angeles County respond to refinery closures and potential sharp increases in gas prices?
The closure of Valero’s Benicia refinery in April 2026 and the permanent shutdown of Phillips 66’s Los Angeles refinery by the end of 2025 are projected to cut California’s refining capacity by nearly 20%. The expected disruption has triggered bipartisan alarm over fuel price spikes and energy supply instability. Some analysts believe that California gas prices could rise to between $7 and $8 a gallon
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
Accelerate green energy transition and public transit to reduce car dependence and fossil fuel need
Invest heavily in alternative fuels and subsidies to cushion drivers while phasing out refining
Balance limited refinery retention incentives with continued climate and clean-energy goals
Ease environmental rules and permit new or expanded refining capacity to stabilize supply
Prioritize keeping and expanding fossil fuel refining and roll back climate restrictions driving closures