In this episode of Energy Newsbeat – Conversations in Energy, Stuart Turley dives into California's escalating energy crisis, scrutinizing the impact of Governor Newsom's policies on both the state's economy and national security. Experts Ronald Stein and Mike Umbro outline the dangers posed by California's growing reliance on imported fuel, the closure of in-state refineries, and the increasing dependence on China for energy. They highlight the risks of Newsom's energy mandates, particularly the push for electric vehicles and refinery shutdowns, which threaten California’s economic stability and security. The discussion calls for a more balanced, hybrid approach to energy policy and urges federal intervention to protect the state’s energy future.

Connect with Ronald on his LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldstein/

Check out Ronald on American Outloud here:https://www.americaoutloud.news/author/ronald-stein-p-e/

Connect with Mike Umbro on his LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeumbro/

Highlights of the Podcast 

00:00 - Intro

01:12 - California’s Energy Crisis

02:05 - National Security Risk

03:32 - Governor Newsom’s Mandates

04:12 - Newsom’s Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration

05:33 - Jet Fuel and Diesel Shortages

06:44 - Kern County and the Potential for Oil Production

08:52 - The Sierra Club’s Influence

10:27 - Electric Vehicle Mandates and Infrastructure

11:33 - Hybrid Vehicles vs. Full Electrification

12:51 - The Real Environmental Impact of EVs

14:10 - The Need for a Hybrid Energy System

15:33 - The Future of Solar and Lithium Batteries

16:28 - California’s Power Grid Challenges

18:09 - The Federal Role in California’s Energy Crisis

20:14 - Oil and Gas as Essential for Infrastructure

23:33 - Nationalizing Refineries for Security

25:24 - The Impact of Climate NGOs

27:43 - California’s Economic Collapse

31:26 - The Risk of Losing California’s Energy Independence

32:09 - The Challenges with Renewable Energy

34:05 - Energy and Data Centers

35:54 - Oil and Gas Backlog

36:28 - California’s Potential for Energy Rebound

39:42 - The Need for Federal Intervention

41:07 - The Sierra Club’s Influence on Policy

43:11 - Conclusion and Future Outlook