The Observer: Way Past Time For Windfal Tax On Oil Companies
Editorial by Editorial Board, UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL
October 9, 2022
https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2022/10/09/the-observer-way-past-time…
You could say it’s about time but Gov. Gav Newsom finally on Friday, Sept. 30, called for a windfall tax on oil companies who’ve been ripping off Californians for decades, but especially in the past year.
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Governor’s Call For Special Session On Gasoline Price Gouging
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today applauded Governor Newsom for calling a special session of the legislature to deal with price gouging at the gas pump and endorsing a windfall profits tax.
Newsom Calls Special Session On California’s High Gas Prices
By Dustin Gardiner, SAN FRANCSICO CHRONICLE
October 7, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Newsom-calls-special-sessi…
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he plans to call a special legislative session to confront California’s high gas prices, including his proposal to create a windfall tax on the profits of oil companies.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Consumer Watchdog Urges Gov Newsom To Follow Through On Windfall Profits Tax On Oil Refiners
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
October 6, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog urges Governor Newsom to follow through and push the State Legislature to reconvene to pass a windfall profits tax on greedy oil refiners ripping off Californians at the gas pump.
KQED 88.5 FM San Francisco, CA: Calls Grow For Special Session of CA Legislature To Pass Windfall Profits Tax On Big Oil
By Tara Siler, KQED 88.5 FM San Francisco, CA
October 6, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog urges Gov Newsom to call the CA State Legislature back for a special session to pass a windfall profits tax on Big Oil.
Gov. Newsom Considers Special Legislative Session In Response To Rising Gas Prices
By Ashley Zavala, KCRA NBC TV-3 Sacramento, CA
October 6, 2022
https://www.kcra.com/article/gov-newsom-considers-special-legislative-s…
SAN FRANCISCO — Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering calling state lawmakers back to Sacramento for a special session in response to rising gas prices.
California Oil Refiners’ Windfall Profits Require A Windfall Profits Tax To Bring Gas Prices Under Control, Consumer Watchdog Report Shows
Los Angeles, CA — Pointing to windfall profits reported by California oil refiners to their investors, Consumer Watchdog issued a report showing that a windfall profits tax is needed to bring California gas prices under control and outlining how to structure the tax.
California Gas Prices Hit Record Highs. But Relief May Be Coming. Here's Why
By Janet Wilson, THE DESERT SUN
October 5, 2022
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2022/10/05/california-gas-pump-pri…
Gas prices at the pump hit record highs in many parts of California on Wednesday, with greater Los Angeles seeing an unprecedented average of $6.49 per gallon for regular. Prices at some Southern California locations hit more than $8 per gallon.
Supply Squeeze Prompts Record Gas Prices
By Matthew Hall, SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS
October 4, 2022
https://smdp.com/2022/10/04/supply-squeeze-prompts-record-gas-prices/
Average gasoline prices in Los Angeles have risen 63.4 cents per gallon in the last week, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 2,135 stations in Los Angeles. Prices in Los Angeles are $1.08 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.93 per gallon higher than a year ago.
Oil Company Extortion in California as Consumers Pay Twice as Much Per Gallon as the Rest of the Country
By Ian Masters, BACKGROUND BRIEFING
October 3, 2022
Click here to listen to this podcast.
Then with consumers in California paying twice as much per gallon as the rest of the country because refineries are producing less without explaining why, we look into what Governor Newsom is describing as extortion with the five refiners ripping off the public while making more money for delivering less product.
KOGO 600AM, San Diego, CA: Consumer Watchdog Calls For Windfall Profits Tax On Big Oil In CA
By Staff Reporters, KOGO 600AM San Diego, CA
October 3, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog calls for a windfall profits tax on Big Oil's price gouging of Californians at the gas pump.
KNBC TV-4 Los Angeles, CA: Southern California Gas Prices are Breaking Records — Again
By John Cadiz Klemack and Maggie More, KNBC TV-4 Los Angeles, CA
October 3, 2022
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/southern-california-gas-prices…
It's a record that drivers in Southern California were hoping would stay unbroken: gas prices are now at all-time highs in Los Angeles County and Riverside County.
San Diego Gas Prices Hit Record High. You’re Paying $2 More Than A Year Ago
Gov. Newsom wants Legislature to impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies.
By Rob Nikolewski, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
October 3, 2022
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2022-10-03/san-dieg…
KPCC 89.3FM Pasadena, CA: Consumer Advocate Calls For Big Oil To Pay Windfall Profits Tax In CA
By Julia Paskin, KPCC 89.3FM Pasadena, CA
October 2, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Advocate Jamie Court calls for the CA State Legislature to pass a windfall profits tax bill that will ra
About Those Painful Prices At California Gas Pumps
By Nate Perez, LAIST.COM
October 2, 2022
https://laist.com/news/transportation/about-those-painful-prices-at-cal…
Drivers in the Los Angeles area are now paying $6.45 on average for a gallon of regular — Orange and Ventura counties are nearly as pricey and Riverside and San Bernardino counties are little over $6.30 a gallon. The average price of a gallon nationwide is just under $3.80.
As Gas Prices Soar, State On Brink Of Sending Rebates
By Emily Hoeven, CALMATTERS
September 30, 2022
https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2022/09/california-gas-t…
Remember when Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers struck a deal a couple of months ago to send millions of California taxpayers between $200 and $1,050 to help cover the rising cost of living?
Newsom Relaxes Refinery Rules As California Gas Prices Soar
By Kathleen Ronanyne, ASSOCIATED PRESS
September 30, 2022
https://apnews.com/article/business-california-gavin-newsom-prices-clim…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced that oil refineries could start selling more polluting winter-blend gasoline ahead of schedule to ease soaring fuel prices, directly contradicting his own goals for reducing climate pollutants.
KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA: High Gas Prices In CA Are Caused By Oil Refiners Causing Outages
By Cherry Glazer, KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA
September 28, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court explains how the huge difference in CA gas prices vs the rest of the country is due to oil refiners causing outages so they can raise prices artificially.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Oil Refiners Are Causing Outages So They Can Raise Gas Prices
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
September 28, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog tells KNX how the big 5 oil refiners who own 90% of business in California are purposely causing outages so they can jack up gas prices.
CONSUMER WATCHDOG ASKS NEWSOM FOR A SPECIAL SESSION ON GAS PRICES
By Andrew Sheeler, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
September 28, 2022
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article26…
As California continues to struggle with high gas prices, one advocacy group is calling on the governor to convene a special session on the subject.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Big Oil Is Price Gouging California
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
September 27, 2022
Click here to listen the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court says Big Oil must be held accountable for greedily price gouging Californians at the gas pump.
Consumer Watchdog Asks Governor Newsom To Call Special Session To Deal with Pain at Pump
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today asked California Governor Gavin Newsom to call a special session of the California legislature to address the unprecedented, nearly $2 per gallon extra Californians are paying at the pump as opposed to US drivers.
Gov. Newsom Signs Into Law Legislation Requiring CA Oil Refiners To Report Their Profits Per Gallon
Los Angeles, CA — California Governor Gavin Newsom took action to uncover why Californians are paying so much for their gasoline when he signed legislation today requiring oil refiners to disclose their profits from refining oil into gasoline monthly.
SB 1322 (Allen), the Oil Refiner Price Disclosure Act, will require the state’s oil refiners to report monthly on the cost of the crude oil they buy, the wholesale price of the gasoline they sell, and their profits made per gallon.
California’s Net-Zero Roadmap Is Being Shaped by Regulators-Turned-Lobbyists
Former officials push strategies on behalf of fossil fuel clients, threatening climate and communities, say critics.
By Aaron Cantu, CAPITAL & MAIN
September 14, 2022
https://reporterwings.com/news/health/californias-net-zero-roadmap-is-b…
As CA Gasoline Prices Rise, Gov. Newsom Has A Chance To Get To The Bottom Of Why, Consumer Watchdog Says
Los Angeles, CA — California’s gas prices at the pump are rising yet again just as gas prices are falling everywhere else, and the time has come to find out why, Consumer Watchdog said today.
According to the most recent report from the federal Energy Information Agency, California is now paying $1.49 more per gallon for gasoline than US drivers.
New Legislation Will Force California Refineries to Reveal Profit Margins
By JW August, TIMES OF SAN DIEGO
September 1, 2022
https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2022/09/01/new-legislation-will-fo…
Gas prices may be tumbling now but history has shown that once there’s any disturbance in the market, the prices will start climbing yet again.
Governor To Decide Whether To Require Oil Refiners To Disclose Profits Per Gallon Monthly
Los Angeles, CA - A bill requiring oil refiners to disclose their per gallon profits monthly is now on Governor Newsom's desk, having passed out of the California Senate with a concurrence vote of 29 to 8.
Legislation Requiring Oil Refiners To Disclose Profits Per Gallon Monthly Clears CA Assembly
Los Angeles, CA -- A bill requiring oil refiners to disclose their per gallon profits monthly passed out of the California Assembly by a vote of 42 - 23. The legislation has already passed out of the California Senate by a vote of 22 - 4 and goes back for concurrence.
CA’s Big 5 Oil Refiner Profits Top $26 Billion, $1 Per Gallon; Watchdog To Make Case For Profits Disclosure Bill And Windfall Profits Tax To Assembly Gas Pricing Committee
Los Angeles, CA— A review of California’s five big oil refiners’ investor reports from the second quarter shows unprecedented, windfall profits that top $1 per gallon.
Consumer Watchdog reported that the state’s five big oil refiners, that make 97% of the gasoline in the state, made from three to ten times more in profits per gallon off of West Coast operations from April through June than they did in the same period last year.
Elias: Oil, Gas Costing Us More Than We Thought
Column by Thomas Elias, THE COAST NEWS
August 3, 2022
https://thecoastnews.com/elias-oil-gas-costing-us-more-than-we-thought/
The idea that oil companies and gasoline refiners could gouge Californians — and other Americans to a lesser degree — by as much as 100% of the previous price of gasoline seemed utterly preposterous until February.
Watchdog Tells CA Assembly Select Committee State’s Pain at Pump Requires New Oversight, Excess Profits Tax, New Price-gouging Standards and Update to Anti-trust Laws
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court called on the California Assembly Select Committee on Gasoline Supply and Pricing to look to the recent extreme profit taking by California’s consolidated oil refiners and consider the strongest possible responses, including taking back excess profits.
The Observer: Proposed Law Requiring Oil Refiners To Disclose Profits Is Only First Step
Opinion Column by Jim Shields, THE WILLITS NEWS
July 2, 2022
https://www.willitsnews.com/2022/07/02/the-observer-proposed-law-requir…
As I reported to you last month, there’s a proposed law that would require oil refiners to disclose their per gallon profits on a monthly basis. The bill recently already passed out of the California Senate by a vote of 22-4.
KCRW 89.9FM NPR Southern California: $100 To Fill Gas Tank In LA: Are Oil Companies Taking Advantage?
Greater L.A. Program - written by Amy Ta, produced by Jenna Kagel, KCRW 89.9FM NPR Southern California
June 29, 2022
https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/gasoline-womens-pro-soccer/g…
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Legislation Requiring Oil Refiners To Disclose Profits Per Gallon Monthly Clears CA Assembly Natural Resources Committee
Los Angeles, CA - A bill requiring oil refiners to disclose their per gallon profits monthly passed out of the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee by a vote of 8 - 3. The legislation has already passed out of the California Senate by a vote of 22 - 4.
SB 1322 (Allen) Addresses Pain At The Pump
Monday, in the Natural Resources Committee, California Assembly Members will have the opportunity to answer the top question on their constituents' minds: why is the price of California gasoline so high and how much are oil refiners making off every gallon of gasoline?
58 California Legislators Have Taken Over $10,000 In 'Dirty Donations'
By Dan Bacher, INDYBAY
June 12, 2022
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2022/06/12/18850413.php
A May 2022 update to its Tracking the Dirty Dollars Project by Sierra Club California provides some clarity why California’s environmental policies don't live up to the “green” words of the state’s politicians. This update reveals that only 15 legislators have not received campaign contributions from polluters and their allies since January 1, 2021.
Oil Execs Cash Out Like Crazy While Gas Prices Soak Americans
The optics of the C-suite selloff aren’t great, given the pain at the pump for the average consumer.
By Noah Kirsch, THE DAILY BEAST
June 3, 2022
https://www.thedailybeast.com/oil-executives-sell-stock-like-crazy-whil…
Cost to Californians $10 Trillion by 2045 From Oil And Gas, Consumer Watchdog Reveals in New Report
Los Angeles, CA—The true cost to the public of California’s oil and gas production and combustion is estimated to reach $10 trillion by 2045, a new report released today by Consumer Watchdog finds. Californians will be paying more than $400 billion annually in public costs caused by fossil fuels between now and 2045 when the state aims to be carbon neutral.
Bill Requiring Refiners To Disclose Monthly Profits Passes Out OF California Senate
By Ian Taylor, BUNKERSPOT
May 25, 2022
https://www.bunkerspot.com/americas/56310-americas-bill-requiring-refin…
SB 1322 (Allen) – a bill that would require oil refiners to disclose their profits on a monthly basis – has passed out of the California Senate by a vote of 22 to 4 and will now be heard in the California Assembly.
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: Assembly Passes Bill To Hold Big Oil Accountable
By Staff Reports, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
May 24, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
The California Assembly passed a bill supported by Consumer Watchdog that would force Big Oil to report it's profit margins monthly, and sent it to the Senate.
Legislation Requiring Oil Refiners To Post Profits Per Gallon Monthly Clears CA Senate
Los Angeles, CA - A bill requiring oil refiners to disclose their per gallon profits monthly passed out of the California Senate by a vote of 22 to 4 and will now be heard in the California Assembly.
'Oil Refiners Exploited The Crisis': Report Shows Oil Refiners Are Gouging California Drivers
By Alexi Chidbachian, KTTV FOX TV-11 Los Angeles, CA
May 11, 2022
https://www.foxla.com/news/oil-refiners-exploited-the-crisis-report-sho…
LOS ANGELES - A recent investor profits report shows that California oil refiners are gouging Californians as they earn more than double the number of other refiners.
Profit Reports Show Oil Refiners Are Gouging Californians; Profits per Gallon Double
Los Angeles, CA -- The latest investor profits reports show that California oil refiners are making unprecedented profits from refining oil into gasoline in the first quarter of 2022.
Could California Officially Ban Offshore Oil Drilling?
A bill to ban offshore drilling in state waters, Senate Bill 953, passed out of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water on April 26.
By Dan Bacher, RED, GREEN & BLUE
May 10, 2022
http://redgreenandblue.org/2022/05/10/california-officially-ban-offshor…
Western States Petroleum Association Spent $17.5 Million On CA Lobbying Over 3 Years, $952,367 In 2022
By Dan Bacher, DAILY KOS
May 6, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/5/6/2096432/-Western-States-Petro…
Deep regulatory capture by Big Oil is thriving in California, despite continual boasting by politicians that the state is the nation's "green" and "progressive" leader.
How Lawmakers Are Stonewalling Clean Energy Legislation in Sacramento This Year
23 California legislators who failed to support clean energy bills have taken a combined $1.58 million from the oil and gas industry.
By Aaron Cantu, CAPITAL & MAIN
May 4, 2022
https://capitalandmain.com/how-lawmakers-are-stonewalling-clean-energy-…
Legislation Requiring CA Oil Refiners To Disclose Their Profits Per Gallon Moves Forward
Los Angeles, CA -- With gas prices sky-high, legislation requiring California oil refiners to disclose once a month the price they pay for crude oil and the profit margins they make on the gasoline they refine and sell moved out of the California Senate Energy Committee last night on a vote of 8 to 0.
US Gas Prices Are Over $4 A Gallon. These Oil CEOs Took Home Over $20 Million
Oil and gas CEOs received nearly $45m more in combined total compensation in 2021 compared to 2020 amid a spike in prices
By Iffah Kitchlew, THE GUARDIAN UK
April 25, 2022
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/apr/25/us-gas-prices-oil-c…
While gas prices soar for consumers, one group of people isn’t faring so badly.
1st Quarter Approvals For Higher Risk Oil Extraction Up Sharply While Industry Forgoes Using Nearly Two Thirds Of Permits Granted In Last Two Years, Groups Urge Newsom To Deny Permits
Los Angeles, CA—Permit approvals for drilling new Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) wells using higher risk steam injection techniques jumped up 59% in the first quarter of 2022 though California oil production continues to decline, according to analysis by FracTracker Alliance. The permits are posted on a map at www.NewsomWellWatch.com.
Moreover, while oil companies continue to apply for permits to drill new wells and to rework them, in the last two years nearly two thirds granted by state regulators have gone unused.
Lara and Levine Spar Over Fossil Fuel Disclosures
By Colby Bermel, POLITICO PRO
April 18, 2022
https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2022/04/lara-and-levine-spar…
A new fossil fuel investments disclosure tool unveiled Monday by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara won out over a competing legislative proposal from his primary challenger, fellow Democrat Marc Levine, who accused Lara's staff of working against the bill.
Californians Still Paying 'Mystery Surcharge' With Gas Prices
On Monday, Californians paid $1.60 more per gallon than the national average.
By Morgan Rynor, KXTV ABC TV-10 Sacramento, CA
March 21, 2022
https://www.abc10.com/article/traffic/gas-prices/california-gas-prices/…
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: Consumer Watchdog Says Oil Refiners Need To Open Their Books
By Mike Simpson and Charles Feldman - IN DEPTH - KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
March 18, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog explains how the big 5 oil refiners who own 96% of the market are profiteering on California consumers and should have to open their books.
KPFA 94.1 FM SF Bay Area, CA: Gas Prices Surge
By Cat Brooks and Brian Edwards-Tiekert, UPFRONT - KPFA 94.1 FM, SF Bay Area, CA
March 15, 2022
https://kpfa.org/episode/upfront-march-15-2022/
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
KCBS 740 AM San Francisco, CA: Big Oil Refiners Continue "The Golden State Gouge" at the Gas Pump
By Mike Dewald, KCBS 740 AM San Francisco, CA
March 14, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Fresh calls for big oil refiners to open their books to prove they're not artificially fleecing CA consumers at the pump.
KCRW 89.9 FM Santa Monica, CA: Proposed Legislation To Force Transparency On Big Oil Refiners
By Cherry Glazer, KCRW 89.9FM Santa Monica, CA
March 14, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
CA State Senator Ben Allen is introducing a new bill that would force big oil refiners to open their financial books.
KPCC 89.3 FM SoCal Public Radio: Push For Transparency On Big Oil's Profits
By Staff Reporters, KPCC 89.3FM SoCal Public Radio
March 14, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Public advocates are supporting CA State Senator Ben Allen's new proposed legislation to force big oil refiners to open their books to see if they are indeed profiteering off California consumers.
KXJZ-FM Capitol Public Radio, Sacramento, CA: New Bill Aims To Force Oil Refiners To Open Books
By Staff Reporters, KXJZ-FM Capitol Public Radio, Sacramento, CA
March 14, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer advocates support CA State Senator Ben Allen's new bill to force the big oil refiners to open their books to determine if they are artificially boosting prices.
Why California Gas Prices Are So High and Vary So Widely: ‘Mystery Surcharge’ and More
By Connor Sheets, LOS ANGELES TIMES
March 14, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-03-14/gas-prices-vary-fro…
You’re filling up your Toyota Camry at a gas station in Los Angeles County — home to six oil refineries that pump out more than a million barrels a day, nearly 60% of the refinery capacity in California. With so much oil so close to home, you might think gasoline would be pretty cheap.
New Bill Seeks to Make Oil Refiners’ Profits Very Transparent
By Nate Gartrell, THE EAST COUNTY GAZETTE
March 13, 2022
https://theeastcountygazette.com/new-bill-seeks-to-make-oil-refiners-pr…
A local lawmaker is seeking to know why California gas prices are so much higher than the rest of the country in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
New Senate Bill Would Force California Refineries to Reveal Profits on Gasoline
By JW August, THE TIMES OF SAN DIEGO
March 11, 2022
https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2022/03/11/new-senate-bill-would-f…
Just how much do oil refiners make in California? Only the owners of the five refineries in the state know.
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: Oil Refiners Are Laughing All The Way To The Bank
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
March 11, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog tells how CA State Senator Ben Allen is introducing a bill to reign in oil refiners who are artificially jacking up gas prices in CA and laughing all the way to the bank.
Bill Seeks Profit Transparency From California Oil Refiners
By Kevin Smith, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
March 11, 2022
https://www.ocregister.com/2022/03/11/bill-seeks-profit-transparancy-fr…
Russia’s invasion into Ukraine has pushed California’s already high gas prices to record levels, but a local lawmaker wants to know why Golden State prices are routinely so much higher than the rest of the nation.
Legislation Targets Sky-High CA Gas Prices; Requires Oil Refiners To Disclose How Much They Make On Every Gallon of Gasoline Sold
Watch the press conference of the bill launch.
Los Angeles, CA -- With California gas prices topping $5 to $7 per gallon, California State Senator Ben Allen joined with consumer advocates today to announce new legislation that will require oil refiners to disclose once a month the price they pay for crude oil and the profit margins they make on the gasoline they refine and sell.
KCRW 89.9 FM Santa Monica, CA: What Can Be Done About High Gas Prices in CA?
By Madeline Brand, PRESS PLAY - KCRW 89.9FM Santa Monica, CA
March 9, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court explains why California's gas prices are so much higher than the rest of the nation and what should be done about it.
Newsom Proposes Gas Rebate As Prices Exceed $5/Gallon. Why So High?
By Amy Ta, produced by Brian Hardzinsk, KCRW 89.9FM - Press Play
March 9, 2022
https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/press-play-with-madeleine-brand/oil-ukr…
A gallon of gas in California today averages $5.57, according to AAA, and that’s the highest in the nation. Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday proposed a rebate aiming to ease fuel costs, though details are scant.
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: Consumer Advocate Says Big Oil Fleecing Californians At The Pump Again
By Charles Feldman & Mike Simpson, KNX 1070AM LA
February 17, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court explains how Big Oil is fleecing California consumers at the pump again by artificially raising prices.
Western States Petroleum Association Spent $17.5 Million Lobbying CA Officials Past 3 Years
By Dan Bacher, DAILY KOS
February 2, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/2/2/2078099/-Western-States-Petro…
The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), the largest and most powerful corporate lobbying group in Sacramento, has spent over $17.5 million lobbying the California Legislature and other state officials over the past three years.
Big Oil's California Connection
State insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara has taken campaign money and gifts from fossil fuel interests and “done almost nothing” to address climate change.
By Sam Mellins, THE DAILY POSTER
January 12, 2022
https://www.dailyposter.com/why-is-california-backtracking-on-climate-r…
Californians Casting Suspicious Eyes At State's Few Refineries As Gas Prices Rise
By JW August, TIMES OF SAN DIEGO
November 21, 2021
https://patch.com/california/san-diego/californians-casting-suspicious-…
You might be asking yourself, why are we paying on average $4.70 for a gallon of gasoline in California, while the cost for the rest of the country is more than a dollar less?
California Gas Prices: How To Save Money While At The Pump
By Christina Gonzalez, KTTV FOX TV-11 Los Angeles, CA
November 17, 2021
https://www.foxla.com/news/how-to-save-money-on-gas-in-california
LOS ANGELES - Is cheaper gas the same quality as high-end brands? It depends on who you ask, but there are some basic things that can save you money.
California Moves To Ban New Oil Wells Within Half-Mile Of Homes, Schools
By Nick Visser and Mollie Reilly, HUFFPOST
October 21, 2021
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/california-oil-well-3200-feet_n_6170cc0d…
California is seeking to dramatically expand protections for communities near oil drilling operations following a large oil spill off the coast of Southern California earlier this month.
CA Dangerously Close To Approving 10,000 Oil Drilling Permits since Newsom Assumed Office; Groups Demand Gov. Deliver On Putting Oil Drilling Into Rear View Mirror
Los Angeles, CA — Governor Newsom’s oil regulators have approved 9,728 oil drilling permits since he assumed office in 2019, according to a new analysis of permits approved through October 1, 2021and posted at www.NewsomWellWatch.org by Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance. The groups said Newsom should immediately cease approval of more oil permits to avoid hitting the 10,000 mark.
Frack Reax
By Andrew Sheeler, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
April 26, 2021
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article25…
California Gov. Gavin Newsom made big waves on Friday when he announced plans for the state to phase out fracking by 2024, and oil drilling by 2045.
Climate Activists Applaud Gov. Newsom's Fracking Ban But Caution It Still A ‘Half-Measure’
By Staff Reporters, PRESS TV
April 24, 2021
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/04/24/650179/Climate-change-Califor…
Climate action advocates have cautiously praised California Governor Gavin Newsom's plan to ban hydraulic fracturing by 2024, but stressed that the move is still a half-measure as it allows continued oil drilling for the next two-and-a-half years.
California's New Fossil Fuel Pledge 'Significant' But Still a 'Half-Measure,' Say Climate Advocates
By Kenny Stencil and Jessica Corbett , COMMON DREAMS
April 23, 2021
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/23/californias-new-fossil-fue…
Climate campaigners on Friday cautiously applauded California Gov. Gavin Newsom's moves to cut off new hydraulic fracturing permits by 2024 and evaluate phasing out oil production by 2045, while also stressing that the timeline still needs to be accelerated.
California Governor Tells Top Oil Regulator To Phase Out New Fracking By 2024
By Janet Wilson, THE PALM SPRINGS DESERT SUN
April 23, 2021
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2021/04/23/california-…
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday directed the state's top oil regulator, the Geologic Energy Management Division, to immediately begin crafting a regulation to halt new hydraulic fracturing permits by 2024.
Gas Prices Continue To Rise In Southern California, Hitting Nearly $5
By Stephanie Stanton, FOX TV-11 LA
March 24, 2021
https://www.foxla.com/news/gas-prices-continue-to-rise-in-southern-cali…
LOS ANGELES - Once again prices at the pump in Southern California continue to rise. After a pandemic pause in 2020, gas prices are now hitting their highest levels since November of 2019.
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Bill To Ban All Dangerous Forms Of Oil Extraction Including Hydraulic Fracturing
Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog today welcomed newly introduced state legislation—SB 467—to ban fracking and a host of other more commonly employed and dangerous techniques used to coax stubborn-and-hard to reach oil and gas out of the ground.
Newsom Administration Doubles New Oil And Gas Production Well Permits, Misses Deadline for Drilling Setback Rule
Los Angeles, CA — California oil regulators more than doubled the dispensing of permits in 2020 to drill new oil and gas production wells, issuing more than 1,700 in 2020, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance reported today.
At the same time, the Newsom Administration failed to meet its own New Year’s Eve deadline for a draft rule designating the safe distance for drilling from a community, giving itself until Spring. Public interest groups who have pushed for a 2,500-foot setback are troubled by the delay. States such as Colorado have instituted setbacks of 2,000 feet.
Newsom Administration Issues Six More Fracking Permits To Aera Energy Consumer Watchdog Says
Los Angeles, CA — The Newsom Administration issued six more fracking permits to Aera Energy late on Friday afternoon at a time of great risk to the environment and to the public health of affected communities also exposed to Covid 19, Consumer Watchdog said today.
The number of fracking permits issued this year—despite a nine-month moratorium imposed by Newsom that ended last April—now comes to 54 issued to Aera and Chevron.
CA Regulators Issue 6 New Fracking Permits Yesterday, Bringing The Total This Year To 54
By Dan Bacher, RED GREEN & BLUE
October 17, 2020
http://redgreenandblue.org/2020/10/17/ca-regulators-issue-6-new-frackin…
The agency approved the permits after an independent technical review by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, according to Matt Baker, Deputy Secretary for Energy of the California Natural Resources Agency.
KNX 1070 AM LA: Newsom's Advisory Economic Task Force Has No Accountability
KNX 1070 AM LA
August 10, 2020
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment, where Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court discusses how Governor Newsom's advisory economic task force meets in private with no public oversight or accountability.
The All-Star Economic Task Force Advising Newsom During The Pandemic Remains A Mystery
By Phil Willon, LOS ANGELES TIMES
August 10, 2020
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-08-10/newsom-coronavirus-…
SACRAMENTO — Faced with a pandemic that has put millions of Californians out of work and eviscerated businesses large and small, Gov. Gavin Newsom promised that “health and science” would guide state officials in repairing the economy and steering it toward recovery.
CalGEM Regulators Divest Oil Stocks In Wake Of Consumer Watchdog Conflicts Probe
Los Angeles, CA — Oil and gas regulators at the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) no longer hold oil stocks or other interests in the sector that they regulate in a radical departure from past practices, Consumer Watchdog said today.
A new conflict of interest policy at the division’s parent agency, the Department of Conservation (DOC), now prohibits such investments without explicit written approval by DOC’s director.
Proof of Harm To CA’s Unborn From Proximity To Oil Wells Proves Need For Barrier Between Wells And People, Says Consumer Watchdog
Los Angeles, CA — The first definitive study showing perinatal harm from oil production in California to pregnant mothers proves that the state must institute a barrier of 2,500 feet between residents and oil wells and stop issuing new oil permits for wells within that zone, Consumer Watchdog said today.
California Study Finds Lower Birth Weights Near Oil, Gas Wells
Study looked at 3 million birth certificates and oil, gas info - Low birth weights found in rural areas near active wells
By Emily C. Dooley, BLOOMBERG
June 3, 2020
Pregnant women living in rural areas close to active oil and gas wells are at higher risk o f having babies that weigh less than those born in urban areas, a study of millions of birth records in California shows.
No New Wells Without Oil Company Bonding For Permits, Says Consumer Watchdog
Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog called upon Governor Gavin Newsom to prevent oil companies from receiving approvals for new oil wells without first requiring full bonding for their clean-up.
CA Oil Well Permits Under Gov. Newsom Outpace First Quarter Last Year In Loss For Public Health, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance Report
Los Angeles, CA—As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, new oil well permits under Gov. Gavin Newsom rose 7.8% in the first quarter of 2020 through April 4, compared to the first quarter of 2019, Consumer Watchdog and FrackTrackerAlliance reported today. The Newsom Administration issued 1,623 permits during the first quarter of 2020. It also approved 24 fracking permits after a nine-month moratorium. The total number of permits issued under Newsom since he took office in January 2019 is 6,168.
Should Newsom Ban Fracking?
By Andrew Sheeler and Hannah Wiley, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
April 16, 2020
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article24…
Five dozen climate, health and environmental organizations have sent a letter to Gov. Newsom, urging him “to reject the efforts by the oil industry to exploit this emergency as an excuse to roll back regulatory oversight.”
Coalition Slams Newsom Administration For Approving 24 New Fracking Permits
By Dan Bacher, SF INDYBAY MEDIA
April 11, 2020
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2020/04/11/18832287.php
The issuing of new fracking permits took place less than two months after Consumer Watchdog and the FracTracker Alliance reported that the total number of oil and gas well permits issued in 2019 under the Newsom Administration rivals the number issued during the last year in office of former Governor Jerry Brown.
California Issues First New Fracking Permits Since July
By Adam Beam, ASSOCIATED PRESS
April 4, 2020
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/california-issues-first-new-fracking-…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California issued 24 hydraulic fracturing permits on Friday, authorizing the first new oil wells in the state since July of last year and angering environmental groups who have been pressuring the state to ban the procedure known as fracking.
Number Of Oil And Gas Well Permits Issued By Newsom Administration In 2019 Rivals Number Issued In Gov. Jerry Brown’s Last Year In Office
Los Angeles, CA—The total number of oil and gas well permits issued in 2019 under the Newsom Administration rivals the number issued in 2018 during the last year in office of former Governor Jerry Brown, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance reported today. The Newsom Administration issued just 1% fewer permits for a total of 4,545 versus 4,590 for all of 2018.
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Departure of Another Regulator Who Protected Big Oil As Hopeful Sign Of Major Reform Under Gov. Newsom
Los Angeles, CA - Consumer Watchdog hailed the imminent departure of the Department of Conservation’s Chief Deputy Director, widely seen as an impediment to environmental reform, as a sign that Governor Newsom plans to overhaul the way oil and gas is regulated in the state.
Why is the Oil Industry Harassing Consumer Watchdog?
As Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Michael Hiltzik lays out in his column today in the Los Angeles Times, the world’s biggest oil and gas companies have wasted over 500 hours of Consumer Watchdog’s legal time over the last 18 months trying to get a peek at how we know what we know about the oil industry. Thank you to Consumer Watchdog staff attorney Danny Sternberg for all his hard work defending the organization.
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Newsom Call for AG Action on CA Gas Price Gouging
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog said today that a new state report finding that major oil companies are overcharging their own stations in order to gouge California consumers vindicates the analysis that it has made since 2015 and requires new state laws to protect drivers.
The nonprofit nonpartisan consumer group applauded Governor Newsom’s call for an investigation and possible prosecution by the California Attorney General into the problem.
Gov Newsom Fires Top Oil Regulator & Institutes Sweeping Ethics Review of Agency In Response To Watchdog Report of Conflicts
Los Angeles, CA – Consumer Watchdog today thanked Governor Gavin Newsom for firing the state’s top oil and gas supervisor and instituting an ethics review of the state’s oil well approval and inspection process in response to its recent report of conflicts at the agency and request.
Watchdogs Call For Resignations & Permit Freeze As California Oil Regulators Approve Surge In Well Permits While Personally Invested In Oil Companies
Los Angeles, CA -- A review of state conflict of interest forms shows that eight regulators managing the state’s oil and gas well approval and inspection process have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in the oil companies they regulate. One of the regulators is among the top three in command at the State’s Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR).
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Governor Newsom’s Energy Commission Report Taking on Gas Price Manipulation
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog said today that the California Energy Commission under Governor Gavin Newsom is finally taking steps to confront artificially high gasoline prices in California by acknowledging the role of oil refiners' supply and retail price manipulation in sky-high pump prices.
Maui Utilities’ Junket While Paradise Burned Should Spark New Rules For Real-time Disclosure of Lawmaker Trips
Los Angeles, CA -- In a letter to California’s legislative leaders, Consumer Watchdog today wrote that the shocking details of a utility junket in Maui with 12 state lawmakers while wildfires destroyed the state should compel new immediate online disclosures about such trips.
Top 10 US Insurance Companies Invest $51 Billion In Fossil Fuels
Los Angeles, CA — As a UN panel finds the world is losing the war with global warming and urgent action is needed, US insurance companies have reported holding more than $50.9 billion in fossil fuel investments that exacerbate climate change, according to reporting to national insurance regulators.
Consumer Watchdog’s review of public filings reveals nine of the 10 largest American insurance companies have considered the impact of climate change on their investments, but only two, AIG and Farmers, say that they have altered their investment strategy in response.
Consumer Watchdog To Insurance Companies: Stop Underwriting Fossil Fuel Projects That Exacerbate Fires And Hurricanes
San Francisco, CA – The nonprofit consumer group responsible for the most effective regulation of the insurance industry in America said today it would be challenging America’s insurance companies to join their European counterparts in refusing to underwrite coal and fossil fuel projects.
TV Ad Of Youngster Schooling Gov. Brown For Being “Being Cruel And Heartless” On Oil Drilling Hits San Francisco Airwaves
San Francisco, CA — A 30-second tv ad featuring a 9-year old girl admonishing Governor Brown for allowing oil drilling next to homes airs today on CNN and MSNBC in advance of Brown’s Global Climate Action Summit kick-off this week in San Francisco. The "Jerry's Kids" tv ad campaign is paid for by nonprofits Consumer Watchdog and Food & Water Watch.
Consumer Watchdog Thanks Jerry Brown For Signature On SB 100 But Says It Will Not Help Kids Living In Shadows Of Oil Wells
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog congratulated legislative leaders and Governor Brown today for pushing through and signing SB 100, historic legislation that sets out to decarbonize the electricity sector completely by 2045. But the nonprofit group said Brown still must use its executive powers to stop neighborhood oil drilling and take on oil drilling directly.
Brown Needs To Shut Down Oil Wells He Controls In State Waters After He Signs Important Bill Today Limiting Federal OffShore Drilling
Los Angeles, CA – Consumer Watchdog thanked Governor Brown for signing important legislation today trying to stop activation of oil wells in federal waters. The nonprofit group noted that Brown has jurisdiction over four times more state oil wells in state waters off California’s coast than oil wells Trump has control of in federal waters off the coast and Brown needs to shut those wells down. (Click on this map for the details)
Consumer and Environmental Advocates Call On Gov. Brown to Stop California Energy Transfer to Trump
SACRAMENTO, CA — Environmental and consumer advocates today urged Governor Jerry Brown to resist the threat of a Trump takeover of the California electricity grid and to also oppose Trump’s plans to frack and drill California. A western regional electricity market would subject Californians to increased power imports from coal-heavy states and higher bills from speculation on power contracts, in a regional grid under the oversight of the Trump administration.
Watchdog Offers New Info That Western Power Market Plan is Enron All Over Again Without The Legal Remedy
Los Angeles, CA -- As the Governor is expected to announce special deliberations on utility proposals shortly, Consumer Watchdog offered new information to the legislature about problems with the proposed new Western power market. The group warned that legislation to subsume California’s electricity grid into a giant regional power trading system will not only open the state to trading manipulation, but permanently hobble California when it comes to prosecuting Enron-style manipulation in the future.
New Map Shows Jerry Brown Has 4 Times More Offshore Oil Wells Than Trump
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today launched a web site that allows you to compare California offshore wells under the control of Governor Jerry Brown and President Donald Trump.
Consumer Watchdog Condemns California Senate Energy Committee Vote For Western Power Trading Casino
Los Angeles, CA — The California Senate Energy, Utilities & Communications Committee voted today to pass legislation turning California into a giant Western power trading casino that puts ratepayers and the environment at risk, Consumer Watchdog said in condemning the vote for AB 813.
Report Warns of Enron All Over Again As Governor Jerry Brown And Electricity Deregulation Era Fixers Poised To Rip Off California Ratepayers
Los Angeles, CA— California leaders are being pressed by former allies of Enron and energy traders who ripped off the state to gamble away California’s energy future on the revival of a plan for a Western regional power trading system that will benefit billionaires and Wall Street and put ratepayers and the environment at risk, Consumer Watchdog finds in a new report.
Not Every Angeleno Prospers In The Oil Economy
“Not every Angeleno is going to prosper in the ‘Next-Gen new economy,’” according to a recent newspaper ad by the State Building & Construction Trades. The union wants politicians not to “be bullied into supporting job killing regulations that are designed to shutter yet another Southern California industry.” This one being the oil and gas industry.
Brown’s Last Chance Campaign Confronts Gov At LA’s Union Station
Browns Last Chance campaign asked Governor Brown to cross to our side of the tracks at Union Station on Friday and start keeping oil in the ground.
“Governor Brown, Please Step Up”: More Than 750 Public Interest Groups Call On Governor Brown To Halt New Dirty Oil And Gas Projects
Five months before Governor’s climate summit in San Francisco, climate groups call on Governor to “walk the talk” on climate and stand up to the oil and gas industry
30 Public Interest Groups Urge Governor Brown To Freeze State Oil Drilling
Santa Monica, CA -- 30 environmental and public interest groups urged Governor Brown to articulate a new plan for keeping oil in the ground as the next step to his acknowledgment that turning the course of climate change will require extraordinary new action.
Consumer Watchdog Urges Gov. Brown To Halt All CA Offshore Drilling In Response To Trump Move To Open Federal Waters
Santa Monica, CA — Governor Jerry Brown should immediately stop all offshore drilling in state waters in response to President Trump’s decision to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic, including in federal waters off of California, Consumer Watchdog said today.
New "The Twelve Days of Jerry" Christmas Song and Animation Show Jerry Brown’s Big Polluting Gifts To Dirty Energy Industry
Santa Monica, CA—As Sempra’s Aliso Canyon natural gas reserve sprang another leak this week, reigniting nosebleeds and headaches among nearby LA County residents, Consumer Watchdog released an animation featuring Governor Jerry Brown and an updated "Twelve Days of Christmas" song highlighting his support for fossil fuels and dirty energy policies.
CA Cap-And-Trade Program Isn’t Working
Santa Monica, CA — As protestors heckled Governor Jerry Brown during his tour abroad for failing to leave oil and gas in the ground, new scientific research shows that his signature greenhouse gas trading program to cut emissions is ineffective.
Public Interest Groups Urge CA Senate To Deny Gov's Point Man Confirmation To PUC After He Fired Tough Oil Well Safety Regulators & Weakened Safety Rules
Sacramento, CA -- Public interest groups are urging the California Senate Rules Committee to demand answers about oil and gas well safety breaches from Governor Brown’s top oil and gas aide and to not confirm him to the Public Utilities Commission without them.
Governor’s Sister Kathleen Brown Makes More Than $1 Million Dollars From Sempra Board Work, And Stands To Make More, As Regulators Favor Company And Resume Injections At Aliso Canyon Gas Reserve
Santa Monica, CA -- Sempra shareholders have profited wildly from the favorable decisions taken by Jerry Brown’s appointees since the Governor was elected, and his sister Kathleen Brown, a Sempra board member, has made more than $1 million in cash and stock since joining the board four years ago, Consumer Watchdog said today in a new report.
Governor Jerry Brown Betrays Californians with Massive Giveaway to Oil Industry in Proposed Extension of Cap-and-Trade
Sacramento, CA — Consumer Watchdog and Food & Water Watch oppose Assembly Bill 398, brokered by Governor Jerry Brown to extend California’s cap-and-trade program past 2020, as a massive giveaway of billions of dollars to the oil and gas industry that fails to rein in one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in California. The organizations are calling on state legislators to defeat the bill, which could be called for a vote on Thursday.
Consumer Watchdog Calls Location of Governor Brown’s Climate Action Summit Misguided
Santa Monica, CA—As Governor Brown challenges the Trump administration today on climate change by issuing a sweeping invitation to a global “climate action” summit in San Francisco, Consumer Watchdog is challenging the Governor to hold the summit in Northern California’s Richmond or in Southern California cities like Wilmington or Torrance—home to emissions-spewing refineries.
Fossil Fuel Electric Plant Developers Fund Brown’s Beijing Fling
Santa Monica, CA — Consumer Watchdog today called on the Public Utilities Commission to require disclosure of any communications about new, unnecessary natural gas-fired power plants in Southern California made during Governor Jerry Brown’s recent trip to Beijing to tout clean energy. The trip, during which energy company executives had intimate access to the governor and energy regulators, shows the need for greater transparency around power plant decision-making.
How Green Is Jerry Brown?
This review fact-checks the perception of Jerry Brown as an environmentalist against his actions since taking office as Governor in 2011 to answer the question: “How Green Is Brown?” On a continuum
Against The Tide: How Missing Tankers Pumped Up Gas Prices and Refiner Profits
Consumer Watchdog analyzed data from the shipping market and state sources to study the impact of gasoline imports and exports on gas prices in California during the first nine months of 2015, when
Oil Slicked: How Refiners Spend Millions to Protect Billions in Record Profits.
Californians have paid $7.5 billion more than they should have for their gasoline since California’s record gasoline price spike began in February of 2015, according to a Consumer Watchdog analysis
Golden State Gouge: The Summer of Record Refining Profits
In the six months since California’s record gasoline price spike began in February, Californians have paid $4.8 billion more than the rest of the country for regular gasoline at the pump, according
Refining Profits: How Californians Get Fleeced at the Pump
This analysis, “Refining Profits,” looks at how oil refiners in California fared over the last decade in their refining operaDons and compared the companies’ refining profits during periods of gaso
Price Spiked: How Oil Refiners Gouge Californians on their Gasoline and What it Costs
Californians have perennially experienced steep gasoline price spikes since 1999 when California’s Attorney General formed a Gasoline Pricing Taskforce that identified market consolidation and limi
Pump Jacking California’s Climate Protection: The Threat Of Oil Industry Influence & Market Manipulation
Internal documents obtained from the oil industry’s lobbying arm, the Western States Petroleum Association, show that the companies have made stopping California’s landmark climate change laws thei
