Even in California, Energy Affordability Trumps the Environment

“California's affordability crisis could lead to more relaxed emissions standards, according to a plan introduced by state Democrats,” reports Steve Large for CBS News Sacramento on July 23.

[Contributor's note: Energy affordability is a component of energy security].

Leading the group is state Senator Jerry McNerney of Stockton.

McNerney said details of the proposal are being negotiated, which could include relaxed emissions if prices rise to a certain level or if fuel storage drops too low.

McNerney's emergency plan follows the announced departure and closure of several state refineries, leaving a tight supply and potential for spikes if one of the refineries left, suddenly goes off-line.

Ethan Elkind, director of the UC Berkeley Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment, observes that the legislation is another illustration of how “California's environmental priorities are now taking a backseat to its affordability crisis when it comes to gas.”

"I think it's such a reflection of how much legislators are feeling this pressure to go to their constituents and say, 'Look, we're trying to reduce prices,' " Elkind said.

However, it's not clear that the legislation will have the intended effect of reducing prices as it doesn't have the backing of the oil industry.

The Western States Petroleum Association opposes the plan, saying it doesn't address their needs for more investments in their industry.

Furthermore, McNerney is no friend of the oil industry. In an op-ed he co-wrote on July 9 for The Mercury News, he advocates suing “Big Oil and Gas” for the climate damage they've caused. How will that affect fuel prices?

Hat tip to Matt Williams.