For years, energy policy in the Golden State has been marked by politicized chaos and willful ignorance. To shift course in 2025, here are four key facts policymakers should know.

Economists criticize state energy policies and dismiss Newsom’s price gouging claims as “conspiracy theories inconsistent with economic logic and the available data.”

Those who understand energy won’t be surprised that California is projected to fall down economic rankings in 2024.

J.P. Morgan analysts say the U.S. has “achieved energy independence for the first time in 40 years.” Meanwhile, California has chosen the opposite path.

Instead of producing more of the oil its economy needs at home, the Golden State is choosing to import more than 875,000 barrels per day from overseas.

Amid rising prices and a severe affordability crisis, Sacramento should be looking for ways to provide relief to working families. But instead, the state’s energy policies are only making matters worse.

California is aggressively shutting down in-state oil and gas production, leading to higher gas prices as Californians are forced to rely on costly oil imports for basic energy needs.

Failing policies have led to a 43% decline in local oil production under Governor Newsom, forcing the state to rely on an expensive foreign oil supply chain for basic energy needs.

Analysts say the continued unrest could upend international commerce at a time when the Golden State is becoming more dependent on foreign oil imports for basic energy needs.