California Republicans Call for Emergency Session on Refinery Closures

GOP lawmakers demand action from Governor Newsom as another major refinery shuts down

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:47pm

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A group of 10 Republican state senators, led by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, have sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom calling for a special emergency legislative session to address the impending closure of the Valero refinery in Benicia, which is one of the largest refineries in Northern California and provides about 10% of the state's total refining capacity. The Republicans argue that the refinery closures are driving up gas prices and the overall cost of living in California.

Why it matters

The closure of major refineries in California is reducing the state's overall refining capacity, which Republicans argue is a key factor driving high gas prices that impact consumers and businesses across the state. This issue has become a political flashpoint, with the GOP blaming Democratic policies for the refinery closures and high costs.

The details

The letter, signed by 10 Republican state senators, cites the upcoming closure of the Valero refinery in Benicia in April as well as the recent shutdown of the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles. The lawmakers argue that these refinery closures are a major contributor to California's high gas prices, which they say are the highest in the nation. They are calling on Governor Newsom and the Democratic-controlled legislature to convene a special emergency session to address the issue.

  • The Valero refinery in Benicia is set to close in April 2026.
  • The Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles closed within the past six months.

The players

Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil

One of 10 Republican state senators who signed the letter to Governor Newsom calling for an emergency session on refinery closures.

Senator Tony Strickland

A Republican state senator who argues that high gas prices in California are driving up the cost of goods and services across the state.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who the Republican lawmakers are calling on to convene a special emergency legislative session to address the refinery closure issue.

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What they’re saying

“California's high cost of living is out of control, and look no further than the gas pump. We routinely pay the highest gas prices in the nation. The governor and legislative Democrats talk about 'affordability,' but make no mistake: they own this crisis. If they're actually serious about bringing costs down, they should start by undoing their own policies that put us in this bind.”

— Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil

“While gas prices are falling across much of the nation, California's gas prices remain consistently high. Those high gas prices drive up the cost of goods and services across the board, making everyday life more expensive.”

— Senator Tony Strickland

What’s next

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The takeaway

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