Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) expressed in a recent interview that the exit of energy companies from California highlights concerns regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s potential presidency.
Lummis mentioned to Breitbart News that an increasing number of billionaires and CEOs are choosing to leave California, which they see as moving towards states with lower taxes and a more favorable business climate.
“This clearly shows that Gavin Newsom lacks a deep understanding of economics, and I believe he would be a poor president,” she stated.
She also remarked on California’s beauty, noting, “Honestly, when I visit California, I think it’s one of the most beautiful and diverse places on earth, yet it’s managed to undermine itself.”
Among the energy companies relocating are:
- Cer Chevron, moving from San Ramon to Houston, Texas.
- Phillips 66, which announced it will cease operations at its Los Angeles refinery by the end of 2025.
- Valero, which has recently closed its Benicia Refinery.
- GAF Energy, planning to shift its headquarters to San Jose, Texas.
Many of these companies have informed Newsom that proposed changes to California’s Air Resources Board could jeopardize the state’s refineries.
These cap-and-invest schemes impose strict limits on greenhouse gas emissions, which are set to further tighten each year.
PBF Energy warned that, if the proposed amendment becomes a reality, “the state’s refining capacity will ultimately hit zero,” he claimed.
Earlier this year, Chevron described potential investments as a “death omen” for its facilities, raising the possibility of closing its Richmond and El Segundo refineries.
“Some companies are predicting that by 2030, there may not be any refineries left in California. Currently, we still import 70% of our gasoline and diesel, right?”
He continued, saying, “They are creating a reliance on foreign oil while much of the rest of the country moves towards energy independence.”
In stark contrast, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted TerraPower a construction permit for a power plant in western Wyoming, which Lummis called a significant step toward energy independence.
“Wyoming has always contributed electricity to the nation, and now we’re setting the stage for next-generation nuclear technology,” Lummis commented in a recent social media post.
The NRC noted that this marked the first commercial reactor approval in a decade.
