oil and gas

Plastic waste in a recycling bin at a home in Sacramento on June 30, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

As oil and gas companies pivot to plastic, California neighborhoods become sacrifice zones again

As oil and gas companies pivot to plastic, certain California neighborhoods become unhealthy sacrifice zones again.

By Veronica Herrera and Daniel Coffee • December 17, 2025

An aerial view of a gray transportation ramp under construction. Building materials can be seen laying on the ground nearby.

Commentary

Cap and trade gets a new name and a new mission beyond cutting carbon pollution

Revenues from the state's carbon emissions auction will be used for high speed rail, wildfire suppression and legislators' discretionary spending.

By

Dan Walters

• December 10, 2025

A close-up view of a “For Sale” sign hanging from a white wooden post in front of a residential building. The house in the background is slightly out of focus, showing light-colored stucco walls and arched architectural details. The sky above is overcast.

Commentary

A spate of new studies gives the lowdown on California’s sky-high living costs

How costly is it to live California? Let us count the ways with new studies comparing everything from mortgage payments to a gallon of gas.

By

Dan Walters

• November 21, 2025

A close-up of an ARCO gas station price sign on a bright day, with digital prices for unleaded, unleaded plus, and unleaded premium gasoline. An American flag waves on a pole in the background against a clear blue sky.

Commentary

Newsom’s gas price crusade morphs into bid to keep refiners open

A study Gov. Gavin Newsom commissioned describes higher margins oil refiners receive for their products, which become gasoline.

By

Dan Walters

• November 14, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom stands on a stage, speaking into a microphone at a podium that reads “Take It Back,” with his arm extended in front of a giant American flag.

Commentary

Newsom plays climate warrior, compromiser and coy candidate

Gov. Gavin Newsom attracted national news coverage thanks to Proposition 50 before jetting to Brazil for a climate conference President Donald Trump avoided.

By

Dan Walters

• November 11, 2025

Amanda Millstein, a pediatrician from Richmond, participates in a rally at the California Environmental Protection Agency offices in Sacramento on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Commentary

Kern County oil drilling law reveals who and what California lawmakers will sacrifice

A hurried law this year that expands oil drilling demonstrated how industry dollars and misleading information can convince California lawmakers to reverse climate progress.

By Sofia Carrasco • October 23, 2025

Clouds of smoke and flames illuminate the night sky during a fire at a refinery location.

Environment

Federal oversight is disappearing as multiple refineries explode. Who’s in charge now?

An El Segundo refinery fire has renewed questions about who is investigating the state’s oil industry after serious accidents. With the U.S. Chemical Safety Board defunded, California has yet to fill the gap.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• October 9, 2025

A wide view of a refinery location on a clear day with various structures, including distillation columns, as smoke is released into the air. The refinery can be seen from a body of water, in the foreground of the frame, surrounded by reed and other vegetation.

Economy

Oil refinery closures leave workers searching for a job that ‘just doesn’t exist’

For the refinery workers being laid off — most of whom lack a college degree — it’s unlikely they’ll find another job that pays as well, despite recent efforts by the state to help.

By

Adam Echelman

• October 8, 2025

Flames and smoke rise from an industrial fire at night as firefighters spray water from an elevated ladder truck onto the blaze, illuminating the scene in bright orange light.

Commentary

Refinery fire spotlights California’s gas supply crunch and high prices at the pump

Damage from the Chevron El Segundo refinery fire hasn't been tallied yet. But gas prices are likely to soar anyway because two other refineries are closing.

By

Dan Walters

• October 7, 2025

A person in a dark blue suit and tie sits in a white chair with arms outstretched, palms facing upward, while speaking at an event. The blurred backdrop behind them displays the words “Clinton Global Initiative” in white text.

Commentary

Newsom’s climate warrior image is backsliding, environmental groups say

Gov. Gavin Newsom said he's the opposite of President Donald Trump when it comes to climate change. But a letter by 40 groups says Newsom is abandoning key environmental policies.

By

Dan Walters

• September 26, 2025

Oil And Gas