California Oil Workers Face Uncertain Future in State’s Energy Transition

Core Insights - California is experiencing significant refinery closures, with the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles set to close by the end of 2025, and Valero planning to idle its Bay Area refinery by April 2024, collectively accounting for approximately 18% of the state's refining capacity [5][6][7] Group 1: Job Losses and Economic Impact - Thousands of workers, potentially tens of thousands, are at risk of losing their jobs as California reduces its reliance on fossil fuels, with an estimated loss of nearly 58,000 workers in the oil and gas industries between 2021 and 2030 [3][9] - The fossil fuel industry employs around 94,000 people in California, and the closure of refineries will have a significant economic impact on local communities, such as Benicia, where Valero contributes about $7.7 million annually in taxes [8][9] Group 2: Legislative and Regulatory Actions - California's energy regulators are negotiating to keep the Valero plant operational and have recently backed off a proposal to penalize oil companies for high profits, indicating a shift in approach to support the industry [4] - Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to expedite oil well permitting in the Central Valley, reflecting inconsistent messaging regarding the state's climate policies and their impact on the oil industry [4][7] Group 3: Support for Displaced Workers - The state has established the Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Fund to provide career training and job opportunities, awarding nearly $30 million to various groups, although funding is set to expire in 2027 [11][12] - Governor Newsom has allocated $20 million in the 2022-2023 budget for a pilot program to train displaced workers to plug abandoned oil wells, emphasizing the need for a clear transition plan for affected workers [12][13] Group 4: Industry Perspectives - Industry representatives argue that California's climate policies threaten blue-collar jobs, with calls for a reassessment of these policies to protect employment in the sector [14] - Workers in the oil industry often earn a living wage without a college degree, but there are concerns about job security and the lack of a clear transition plan to new fields [15][16]