California’s Energy Emergency: What No One’s Telling You About Gas Prices, Jobs & Policy Failure

Guest 

Catherine Reheis-Boyd - President & CEO, Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA)

Guest Bio

Catherine Reheis-Boyd is President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), representing major petroleum companies in California and the western U.S. With decades of experience, she’s one of the most influential energy advocates in the state, leading policy discussions on refinery closures, energy affordability, and environmental regulation. She has testified before the legislature, served on numerous state commissions, and remains a powerful voice in the push for balanced energy policy that safeguards both the economy and the environment.

Show Summary

Why are California’s gas prices the highest in the country — and what’s really driving refinery closures and rising costs? In this candid conversation, Catherine Reheis-Boyd breaks down the policy decisions and regulatory bottlenecks that have put California’s energy supply — and economy — at risk. From importing crude oil from Iraq and Ecuador to shutting down local pipelines and refineries – Catherine and Jon Slavet explore how political decisions have created a perfect storm of costs, confusion, and bad consequences for consumers. With upwards of 500,000 California jobs on the line, Catherine offers a powerful case for pragmatism, collaboration, and urgent action before it’s too late.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Refinery Closures and Job Loss

01:20 – Why Is Gas So Expensive in California?

03:40 – Hidden Taxes and Regulatory Costs

06:05 – Are We Managing in Crisis Mode?

08:10 – Why We Import Oil While Sitting on Reserves

10:30 – Greenhouse Emissions Hypocrisy

12:35 – Politics Over Policy: The Kern County Crude Debate

14:50 – Pipelines at Risk: A Real-Time Infrastructure Problem

16:45 – Can the Industry Meet Environmental Standards?

19:15 – The Real Cost of a Gallon of Gas

21:30 – Workforce Impact and Job Losses in Oil & Gas

23:50 – What a “Just Transition” Really Means

25:00 – What Should Change in 2027?

27:40 – Solutions: CEQA Reform, Collaboration, and Balance

29:25 – Why “Hope is Not a Plan”

31:10 – What Happens if We Don’t Act?

32:30 – Rapid Fire: Hopes, Leadership, and California’s Future

Connect with Catherine:

Twitter: https://x.com/WSPAPrez

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-reheis-boyd-71964411/

Website: https://www.wspa.org/staff/catherine-reheis-boyd/

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com