(Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images/File)
"This is in addition to other refinery closures that have been announced. So, in totality, what we're looking at is 20% of California's refining capacity disappearing. And that's significant," Fong told Fox News Digital in an interview.
Valero also operates a refinery in Los Angeles, but the move regarding the Benicia location is seen as a major hit.
"It's a warning that California's fuel supply is in jeopardy, and it's all caused because of [Democrat Gov.] Gavin Newsom's poor energy policies. That's the root cause, and the rigid regulatory environment, all the mandates, all the new regulations that have been put on these refineries, and now it's putting our fuel supply in jeopardy. And this isn't just an energy issue. This is an affordability issue. This is a jobs issue. This is a reliability issue," he continued.
Excess natural gas is burned off at an oil refinery in Sinclair, Wyo. (Marli Miller/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images/File)
As of Sunday, Californians are paying an average of $4.83 per gallon, which is significantly higher than the $3.15 national average, according to AAA.
Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's office for comment, but it referred the inquiry to the California Energy Commission, which said Valero’s legally required advance notice will help the state better prepare for its next steps.
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"The California Energy Commission (CEC) is committed to its efforts to collaborate with the industry and stakeholders so that the state continues to have a safe, reliable and affordable supply while transitioning away from fossil fuels," CEC Vice Chair Siva Sunda stated. "As required under Senate Bill X1-2, Valero Refining Company notified the CEC of its intent to idle, restructure or cease operations at its Benicia Refinery by the end of April 2026. This advance notification helps the state to continue to closely monitor the evolving conditions in the fuel supply market and proactively plan and take steps to support the transition in the state’s fuel supply."
"The CEC will continue to work in partnership with the industry and stakeholders to protect consumers during this transition," he continued.
Valero faces $82 million in fines from different governmental bodies in California over environmental regulations, according to KXJZ.
Cameron Arcand is a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Story tips can be sent to Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-lawmaker-warns-likely-blue-state-move-will-make-gas-prices-skyrocket