State of Gold California’s Energy Emergency: What No One’s Telling You About Gas Prices, Jobs & Policy Failure
Guest
Catherine Reheis-Boyd - President & CEO, Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA)
Guest Bio
Catherine Reheis-Boyd is President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), representing major petroleum companies in California and the western U.S. With decades of experience, she’s one of the most influential energy advocates in the state, leading policy discussions on refinery closures, energy affordability, and environmental regulation. She has testified before the legislature, served on numerous state commissions, and remains a powerful voice in the push for balanced energy policy that safeguards both the economy and the environment.
Show Summary
Why are California’s gas prices the highest in the country — and what’s really driving refinery closures and rising costs? In this candid conversation, Catherine Reheis-Boyd breaks down the policy decisions and regulatory bottlenecks that have put California’s energy supply — and economy — at risk. From importing crude oil from Iraq and Ecuador to shutting down local pipelines and refineries – Catherine and Jon Slavet explore how political decisions have created a perfect storm of costs, confusion, and bad consequences for consumers. With upwards of 500,000 California jobs on the line, Catherine offers a powerful case for pragmatism, collaboration, and urgent action before it’s too late.
Chapters
00:00 – Intro: Refinery Closures and Job Loss
01:20 – Why Is Gas So Expensive in California?
03:40 – Hidden Taxes and Regulatory Costs
06:05 – Are We Managing in Crisis Mode?
08:10 – Why We Import Oil While Sitting on Reserves
10:30 – Greenhouse Emissions Hypocrisy
12:35 – Politics Over Policy: The Kern County Crude Debate
14:50 – Pipelines at Risk: A Real-Time Infrastructure Problem
16:45 – Can the Industry Meet Environmental Standards?
19:15 – The Real Cost of a Gallon of Gas
21:30 – Workforce Impact and Job Losses in Oil & Gas
23:50 – What a “Just Transition” Really Means
25:00 – What Should Change in 2027?
27:40 – Solutions: CEQA Reform, Collaboration, and Balance
29:25 – Why “Hope is Not a Plan”
31:10 – What Happens if We Don’t Act?
32:30 – Rapid Fire: Hopes, Leadership, and California’s Future
Connect with Catherine:
Twitter: https://x.com/WSPAPrez
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-reheis-boyd-71964411/
Website: https://www.wspa.org/staff/catherine-reheis-boyd/
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