California already imports 75% of the oil we use, mostly from foreign countries. That’s one of the reasons why supporting California’s existing, local oil and natural gas production is so important. Restricting the ability for California to continue producing the energy it needs would increase foreign oil imports, result in higher gas prices at the pump and risk serious energy supply shortages.
California’s local oil and natural gas production generates $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenues to fund schools, social services, and public safety and is powered by 50,000 Californians. Keeping California’s production local funds vital services, protects jobs, and decreases our reliance on more costly foreign oil and the volatile foreign countries that supply it.
The world’s most environmentally regulated oil and natural gas production is right here in California. As we transition to a cleaner energy economy, we should continue to produce the oil and natural gas Californians need locally and responsibly - rather than increase our reliance on costly foreign oil produced in countries without our same environmental, labor and human rights standards.
