California’s Refinery Collapse: The Unseen National Security Risk

A misplaced consensus among average Americans, regardless of political perspective, seems to be that whatever happens in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s California is well within a California issue.

The massive outward migration over the years of Californians to the rest of the nation affirms what we see almost daily: a state hijacked by socialists in the legislature and governor’s mansion has made life in the Golden State intolerable.

While the nation can absorb transplants without too much turbulence, policies and regulations emanating from Sacramento now threaten the security of every American from “sea-to-shining sea.”

In the last 20 years, California and its climate-focused initiatives have made life nearly untenable for fossil fuel refineries by force of law. In 2006 there were 23 refineries in operation; today that number has dwindled to 12, with another major refinery, Valero Benicia, set to close by the end of April.

Cynical Americans watching this managed decline might quip that California is doing this to itself and will have to bear the consequences.

The electrified dreams of those terrified of life-giving carbon have never materialized.

With the dawn of AI-infused data centers that consume power and water at unprecedented levels, coupled with an electric world powered by solar, wind, and other sources, the nation’s peacetime energy needs remain unmet. We are certainly not at peace time.

Although there is no declared war, American military forces are deployed globally. The Iran crisis alone has employed one-third of naval forces and nearly a quarter of air assets. From a logistics perspective, these forces share a common denominator: California, Nevada, and Arizona have 40 military installations combined, with 32 located in California—yet all three states depend on California refineries.

In oil production, the situation is equally grim. In 1988, California produced 95.5% of its own oil needs; today it produces less than 23%, relying heavily on foreign oil delivered primarily by Chinese tankers.

No logistics expert or defense analyst requires further explanation: California’s mismanagement of energy policy leaves the entire nation vulnerable to foreign adversaries.

Sacramento may be the proverbial domino that sets off a cascade of national crises.

Consider these factors:

If the Iran conflict escalates into a sustained, resource-intensive effort, global fuel demand will surge. U.S. refineries—along with California’s remaining facilities—will operate at maximum capacity. Nations opposing such conflicts, like China, might halt shipments to the United States. Iranian counterstrikes could include terrorist cell activations domestically, targeting power grids and scarce refineries. A banking crisis and rising fuel prices could disrupt trucking and rail networks. Scarcity of food in cities already strained by political tensions could spiral into widespread violence.

Can we allow California to simply close refineries and increase the probability of such scenarios?

The administration should strongly consider nationalizing these critical assets to safeguard national stability. Additionally, the national security apparatus must weigh these risks before committing to foreign engagements that could ignite domestic conflict.

“We will have strong borders, strike down terrorists who threaten our people, and keep America out of endless and costly foreign wars.”
— Nomination Acceptance Speech, GOP Convention, 2020

Please remember that pledge, Mr. President.

The truly costly wars may end up being domestic.