Part 11/15:
California’s policies seem caught in a paradox: striving for environmental excellence while simultaneously risking economic and energy instability. High taxes, bureaucratic red tape, and restrictive energy policies are driving away investment, increasing costs for consumers, and risking jobs.
The Impact on Industry and Consumers
Major companies like Chevron are warning that continued regulatory and legislative challenges threaten their presence in California. The closure of refineries and the potential departure of energy giants could deepen fuel shortages and inflate prices, hitting consumers directly—especially low-income households—hardest.
The Political Climate