U.S. Energy Secretary Visits Long Beach, Predicts Lower Gas Prices Soon

Wright urges California to ease regulations and tap into state's energy resources to boost production.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:54am

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A geometric abstract illustration composed of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the complex factors influencing gasoline prices and energy production in California.As federal and state leaders grapple with energy policy, the price of gas remains a constant concern for California consumers.Long Beach Today

During a visit to Long Beach, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright revealed that Americans could expect to see lower gas prices in the coming weeks. Wright cited a recent ceasefire deal with Iran that caused oil prices to drop, though he acknowledged a lag time before the savings reach consumers at the pump. The energy secretary also urged California leaders to ease regulations and allow the state's oil industry to increase production to meet demand.

Why it matters

The fluctuations in gas prices have a significant impact on consumers' wallets and the broader economy. Wright's visit and comments highlight the ongoing tensions between federal energy policy and state-level environmental regulations, as well as the challenges of balancing energy supply, demand, and costs.

The details

Wright visited oil operations at Synergy Oil and Gas in Long Beach and Seal Beach, calling on California to change regulations that he says are 'strangling' the state's oil industry. He noted that the number of operating refineries in California has dropped from 23 in 2000 to just 11 this year, limiting production. Synergy's CEO John McKeown said the company is limited to producing only about 100 barrels per day, when its tanks could handle 6,000 barrels. Wright also defended the Trump administration's controversial decision to restart offshore drilling near the Santa Barbara coastline, saying it will boost the state's oil production by 20%.

  • On April 8, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, causing oil prices to drop.
  • Wright visited Long Beach and Seal Beach on April 9, 2026.

The players

Chris Wright

The U.S. Energy Secretary who visited Long Beach to discuss gas prices and California's oil industry regulations.

John McKeown

The CEO of Synergy Oil and Gas, who told Wright that his company is limited in its oil production due to state regulations.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, whom Wright plans to meet with in the coming weeks to discuss energy prices and production.

Rob Bonta

The Attorney General of California, who has sued Wright in an effort to stop the reopening of offshore drilling platforms near the Santa Barbara coastline.

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What they’re saying

“You'll likely see some downturning gasoline prices in the next few weeks. There's a lag from crude prices that then get purchased and go into refineries and produce gasoline.”

— Chris Wright, U.S. Energy Secretary

“We do here about 100 barrels a day, and we should be doing about 6,000 barrels a day based on our tank sizes in the back.”

— John McKeown, CEO of Synergy Oil and Gas

“California has an abundance of energy resources of all kinds. But it has made destructive political choices to drive up energy prices and reduce its energy security.”

— Chris Wright, U.S. Energy Secretary

What’s next

Wright said he plans to meet with Governor Gavin Newsom in the coming weeks to discuss energy prices and production in California.

The takeaway

The visit by the U.S. Energy Secretary highlights the ongoing tensions between federal energy policy and state-level environmental regulations, as well as the challenges of balancing energy supply, demand, and costs. The potential for lower gas prices in the near future could provide relief for consumers, but the long-term solutions may require a collaborative approach between state and federal leaders.