Article by That Green Union Guy; image created by David Solnit

Here are some not entirely comprehensive, not particularly ideally organized thoughts on energy transition, climate change, decarbonization, and just transition in California for March 2026.

I. Refinery Closures:

1. Another refinery in California (in the Bay Area, specifically), is closing. The aforementioned is the Valero refinery in Benicia (across Carquinez Strait from Martinez). Here is a link to the article in the Guardian.
2. Another refinery in Southern California (Phillips 66) is closing
3. There are discussions of just transition for the workers and communities, but political support for these from the State of California is spotty at best;
4. The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) is doing everything they can to blame environmentalists, community activists, and delay the inevitable (and trying to pit workers—whom they actually care little about, except where they can be used as political pawns or tools—against the former);
5. WSPA and the corporations are engaging in a mass PR blitz to push their false narrative, including sponsoring poster boards strategically placed at gas pumps at practically every gas station in CA, as well as a blitz of advertisements on TV and digital platforms;
6. There are studies, such as this one conducted at Stanford University) that debunk the claims, but challenging the aforementioned well-funded PR blitz is an uphill battle.

II. Polluter Pays

1. There is a grassroots mobilization, and an ongoing campaign, to try an pressure the California government to enact a “polluter pays” measure (one that would charge extractive corporations, such as those represented by WSPA, excess profits taxes and other fees) that would include funds for just transition;
2. This is part of a growing, nationwide effort;
3. This has enormous potential to draw in the vast support for the “No Kings” / resistance to MAGA fascism and authoritarianism, as described here.

Greetings fellow workers! 

This page is brand new and under construction, and this site just went live. I will be adding much content over the next few weeks. For now, please bear with me while I put everything into place. 

--That Green Union Guy.