Calvert Critiques California’s Energy Policies

Congressman Ken Calvert has put forth a resolution critiquing California’s energy approach as chaotic and detrimental. He claims it’s a financial burden on residents and poses safety risks.

Calvert (R-Calif.) is particularly focused on the state’s regulatory framework, which he believes hinders local energy production, making California overly reliant on imported oil.

“California’s drastic anti-energy measures are having serious negative impacts not just on our economy but also on national security,” Calvert stated. “High taxes and bureaucratic obstacles created by politicians in Sacramento have diminished both energy output and refining capabilities. Californians often face some of the highest gas prices in America, and even worse than the cost is the potential for no energy at all.”

He emphasized the financial strain on residents, pointing out that the cumulative costs from state-level interventions add up significantly.

“On average, Californians are shelling out between $1.10 and $1.40 per gallon in state taxes and fees related to climate initiatives and regulations,” he noted.

Calvert also mentioned California’s increasing reliance on foreign crude oil due to refinery closures and a marked decline in production. He argues that this dependence creates security risks for various military bases in the state, for which he is responsible for funding as the chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

Experts have indicated that Californians might face even steeper gas prices in the near future, with predictions that they could reach their highest levels since 2022, according to a senior analyst at GasBuddy.