The power of California’s oil refiners is always felt but rarely visible in Sacramento.  It was on full display at Wednesday’s press conference when the Governor, State Senate leader and Assembly Speaker acknowledged that California's effort to lead the world by cutting petroleum use in half was dead for the year due to oil company lobbying and advertising.

The fate of landmark climate legislation will be decided before the California statehouse closes for the year Friday. Its oil industry opponents are desperate to stop it, claiming the proposal will drive up prices at the pump.  In fact, Senate Bill 350,  currently written to cut California's gasoline use in half by 2030, will actually lower gasoline prices by increasing scarce gasoline inventories. 

That's why Big Oil is desperate to amend the legislation into oblivion.

One of the most significant decisions in the effort to reduce the price of gasoline in California is arguably whether Exxon gets to open its Torrance refinery, which has been closed since a February explosion, without meeting California’s environmental standards. A pivotal hearing that was set for today has been delayed for two weeks until after the legislature adjourns Friday.