OpenCampaign

Energy

Gasoline prices and refinery capacity

Closures of Valero’s Benicia refinery in April 2026 and Phillips 66’s Los Angeles refinery by end of 2025 are projected to cut California refining capacity by nearly 20%, raising bipartisan alarm over fuel price spikes and energy supply instability, with some analysts projecting gas prices of $7–$8 per gallon as a major political liability.

What should California do about projected fuel price spikes from refinery closures?

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).

  1. Liberal43%
  2. Lean liberal25%
  3. Moderate15%
  4. Lean conservative6%
  5. Conservative11%

Where do you stand?

What should California do about projected fuel price spikes from refinery closures?

How important is this to you?

Sources

prostateaffairs.com — https://prostateaffairs.com/ca/politics/california-political-issues-2026
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
  1. Accelerate green transition and transit so residents depend less on gasoline despite higher pump prices
  2. Pair clean-energy investment with temporary consumer relief and managed phase-down of refining
  3. Monitor supply and use targeted measures only if prices spike severely
  4. Ease environmental rules and incentives to keep remaining refining capacity online longer
  5. Halt policies driving refinery exits and prioritize cheap, reliable fuel supply over climate mandates

Gas prices and energy reliability

Refinery closures are projected to cut capacity and risk gas prices of $7–8/gallon, creating tension between decarbonization goals and affordability/reliability. Responses include easing some oil permitting, subsidies, and energy stability measures amid political liability.

How should California balance climate goals with gas prices and energy reliability?

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).

  1. Liberal43%
  2. Lean liberal25%
  3. Moderate15%
  4. Lean conservative6%
  5. Conservative11%

Where do you stand?

How should California balance climate goals with gas prices and energy reliability?

How important is this to you?

Sources

https://prostateaffairs.com/ca/politics/california-political-issues-2026
Refinery closures (e.g., Phillips 66 LA and Valero Benicia) are projected to cut capacity significantly, risking gas prices of $7–8/gallon in places—a major political liability. This creates tension between decarbonization goals and energy reliability/affordability.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Accelerate fossil fuel phase-out and invest heavily in renewables regardless of short-term price spikes
  2. Maintain climate targets while adding targeted subsidies and limited permitting flexibility
  3. Pursue energy stability with pragmatic permitting relief alongside continued green investments
  4. Ease oil/gas restrictions and delay aggressive mandates to prioritize affordable, reliable supply
  5. Halt refinery closures and green mandates that raise prices; expand domestic oil and gas production

Rising utility rates

Alongside other cost-of-living challenges, rising utility rates are flagged as an issue states including California must watch in 2026, with historical sensitivity to energy price shocks and blackouts shaping political risk.

How should California respond to rising utility rates?

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).

  1. Liberal43%
  2. Lean liberal25%
  3. Moderate15%
  4. Lean conservative6%
  5. Conservative11%

Where do you stand?

How should California respond to rising utility rates?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Governing — https://www.governing.com/politics/the-biggest-issues-to-watch-in-2026
Like many other cost-of-living challenges, rising utility rates are not something that people tend to take in stride.
prostateaffairs.com — https://prostateaffairs.com/ca/politics/california-political-issues-2026
Democrats will face pressure to deliver real cost-of-living relief — not just through subsidies, but through longer-term structural reform on housing supply, energy infrastructure, and service delivery.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Cap rates, expand bill assistance, and socialize more grid and generation costs
  2. Pair consumer protections with public investment in clean, reliable infrastructure
  3. Seek gradual rate stability through mixed public-private reliability upgrades
  4. Reduce green-mandate cost drivers and approve more generation to lower bills
  5. Deregulate utilities aggressively and end climate surcharges that inflate rates