Energy Commission Provides a Balanced Roadmap to Stabilize California Gasoline Markets

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Earlier today, California’s Energy Commission released a plan for continuing California’s transition to zero emissions and maintaining gasoline affordability as refineries in the state move to shutter their doors. 

Below is a joint statement by Union of Concerned Scientists’ (UCS) Western States Senior Policy Manager Daniel Barad and Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) California State Director, Katelyn Roedner Sutter:

“California is well on its way to leaving dirty fossil fuels behind in exchange for a zero-emission future crucial for protecting public health, economic prosperity, and the planet.

“At the same time, Californians continue to rely on gasoline to meet their everyday needs and affordability remains crucial, especially for low-income communities. Policymakers must act to stabilize gasoline supply as the state continues its clean energy transition.

“Vice Chair Gunda has met this moment with the seriousness that it deserves and has laid out a path to short term stability without compromising the longer-term transition away from fossil fuels.

“The Vice Chair’s letter points to some difficult conversations ahead around CARB’s at-berth rule and other existing policies. UCS and EDF are ready to push for strong, health protective policies and looks forward to continued thoughtful discussions.

“By urgently following the guidance put forward by Vice Chair Gunda and advancing additional support for zero emission technologies, the state can continue to lead the charge in moving to a decarbonized future, meet state climate goals and air quality standards and protect Californian’s health and wallets.”

• Daniel Barad, Western States Senior Policy Manager, Union of Concerned Scientists
• Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director, Environmental Defense Fund