Part 9/11:
The industry’s move away from California’s refining sector seems almost irreversible at this point. Valero’s plan to permanently idle its Benicia plant flags a stark reality: the state is effectively choosing to prioritize green energy narratives at expense of energy independence and affordability.
Although there are occasional talks about finding alternative buyers or restructuring efforts, these are viewed skeptically by industry insiders. With the ongoing regulatory hostility, the prospects of a turnaround remain slim. The closure of the refinery is expected to be permanent, leaving California more dependent on outside sources for fuel—an arrangement susceptible to geopolitical and logistical uncertainties.