DOE Responds to California Governor’s Claims on Renewable Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has taken a stance against California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of making misleading statements regarding the state’s renewable energy use. In a recent exchange, the DOE leader referred to Newsom as an “oil butt.”
Newsom’s frustration seemed to rise after Chris Wright, during a segment on FOX Business, criticized California’s energy strategies. He claimed that these policies have “destroyed the power grid,” pointing out a dramatic drop in U.S. oil production from 40% to just 2%.
Wright further argued that California has made itself more vulnerable to external factors, raised energy costs, and is facing the highest adjusted poverty rates in the nation. He questioned the logic behind Newsom’s pride in his energy policies, asking where the Americans would want to rely on expensive energy or foreign resources instead of local options.
In defense of the governor, the press office cited that “California is now 67% powered by clean energy.”
Newsom’s office also added a pointed remark, “Enjoy Asthma and Black Lung, Oil Sill Chris,” in response to Wright’s comments.
The DOE rebuffed the claims, asserting that the governor’s statements were incorrect. They stated, “Only 15% of California’s primary energy consumption comes from renewable energy,” and noted that over 75% of the state’s energy utilization still comes from oil and gas—figures that surpass the national average. Furthermore, they emphasized that California’s anti-hydrocarbon policies have led to the highest electricity costs in the contiguous U.S., in addition to the highest gas prices and adjusted poverty rates.
The DOE concluded, “I wouldn’t be proud if it were my state.” It’s worth mentioning that Newsom’s reference to the 67% clean energy figure pertains specifically to retail electricity sales, according to a report from July 2025.
In reality, oil and gas contribute to over 75% of California’s total energy consumption, primarily driven by transportation fuels, which account for around 40% of the state’s primary energy needs, leading to a strong reliance on fossil fuels.
