CIPA Urges Governor to Sign Key Energy Bills

As the Legislature closes its 2025 session, the focus now turns to Governor Gavin Newsom, who faces critical choices on two bills that directly impact California’s fuel supply, jobs, and energy security.

The California Independent Petroleum Association (CIPA) has formally requested that Governor Newsom sign SB 237 (Grayson) and SB 767 (Richardson) both measures that passed with bipartisan support and now await final action on his desk.

SB 237: Streamlined Permitting in Kern County

This bill ensures Kern County, home to 70% of California’s oil production, can move forward with a streamlined permitting process. By cutting red tape, SB 237 helps California meet more of its own energy needs under the state’s strict labor, health, and environmental standards. Without it, Californians will remain dangerously reliant on foreign imports that cost more, pollute more, and undermine our environmental values.

“Every barrel produced in California means fewer foreign tankers idling off our coast, lower gasoline prices, and more money staying in our communities,” said CIPA CEO Rock Zierman. “SB 237 is essential to protect families from $8 gas and keep jobs here at home.”

SB 767: Reliable Pipeline Access for California Refineries

California’s 30 million drivers, businesses, and first responders rely on a steady fuel supply. Our refineries are among the most advanced and environmentally responsible in the world, but they cannot operate without reliable pipelines to deliver crude oil. SB 767 ensures these pipelines remain available, preventing costly fuel disruptions and preserving thousands of high-paying jobs in refinery communities.

Without this legislation, refinery production will decline, causing fuel price spikes and energy insecurity. By signing SB 767, the governor would safeguard California consumers from unnecessary price shocks while maintaining the safest and lowest-emission crude transport option.

The Bottom Line

Both bills align with the governor’s stated goal of stabilizing California’s production and refining capacity while protecting consumers from higher gas prices. Together, SB 237 and SB 767 represent practical, balanced solutions that keep California energy local, reliable, and affordable.

CIPA urges the governor to act quickly and sign both measures into law.