The impending collapse of California’s transportation fuel infrastructure

IV. The environmental lawsuit: triggering the cliff edge

While a fragile, temporary compromise on Cap-and-Invest ("C&I") amendments briefly paused immediate shutdown plans, the environmental activist group "Communities for a Better Environment" is now suing the Air Board to force the withdrawal of this compromise.

If this lawsuit succeeds, PBF Energy, the smallest of the remaining seven operating refineries, will likely be forced to shutter its operations, triggering immediate and catastrophic deficits:

V. The ultimate threat: total west coast collapse

The equation is simple: if PBF shutters, gasoline imports will skyrocket to 60%+ and diesel/jet fuel imports will exceed 50%.

The solution: invoke the defense production act now

California's state policies have created an unacceptable national security threat to itself, neighboring states, and the country. Just as the Defense Production Actwas invoked to bring the Sable offshore oil platforms back online, the federal government must step in immediately to protect and preserve California's remaining refining infrastructure to support the humongous transportation fuel demands within the State.

• The Trigger Point:If just two more of the seven operating refineries shut down, California will face a complete logistical collapse.
• The Worst-Case Scenario:If all seven remaining refineries close, the West Coast's ports will cease operations, airports and military installations will shut down, and the food supply chain extending deep into the American heartland will be permanently compromised.