White House Highlights Energy Poll as California Policies Raise National Security Concerns

Americans support strengthening domestic energy supplies and streamlining infrastructure approvals, according to new polling highlighted by the White House’s official Rapid Response account on X. For California, the findings reinforce an issue with consequences well beyond prices at the pump: maintaining the petroleum supply chain that supports military installations, West Coast defense, and America’s ability to respond to crises overseas.

The Council for a Secure America’s October energy survey, conducted by Morning Consult among 2,200 American adults September 25–27, found that 67 percent agree with permitting reform to help energy infrastructure meet growing electricity needs and improve affordability. Separately, 53 percent agreed that energy independence makes the country safer, while 57 percent agreed that it helps the American economy grow. The results measure agreement with those statements rather than support for any particular permitting bill.

Featured in an October 19 New York Post exclusive, the findings demonstrate substantial public support for developing the infrastructure needed to deliver reliable American energy. CSA reported that permitting reform attracted majority support across every generation, ranging from 57 percent among Generation Z to 79 percent among Baby Boomers.

For CIPA, that message stands in sharp contrast to California’s sustained war against its own oil and natural gas industry. Policies that discourage production, impede investment, and undermine refinery viability weaken the domestic supply chain while leaving continuing fuel demand to be met elsewhere. California’s energy decisions therefore carry implications for the entire nation, particularly when they affect infrastructure serving military operations.

The military’s dependence on reliable fuel logistics is substantial. The Defense Logistics Agency describes its Americas West region as supporting major military training centers, the Navy’s largest fleet, the Air Force’s premier air mobility command base, and numerous military exercises. That regional network illustrates how closely fuel availability is connected to training, transportation, and operational readiness.

A secure fuel supply is part of the foundation of national defense. Aircraft require fuel for training and deployment, conventional surface ships require marine fuel, and ground forces depend on dependable supplies for vehicles and equipment. Eroding nearby production and refining capacity can reduce supply flexibility and increase reliance on replacement shipments precisely when an emergency creates competing demands.

Federal officials have raised that concern directly. In an April Department of Energy assessment, the department warned that California’s foreign oil dependence poses national security risks and argued that state policies had left residents and more than 30 military installations vulnerable. California officials dispute that assessment, maintaining that procurement alternatives, including imports, can ensure continued military fuel access. The disagreement centers on whether those alternatives provide sufficient resilience when supplies are disrupted.

CIPA believes California should strengthen the domestic production, pipelines, and refineries that help sustain those military missions. Imports may supplement supply, but dependable local infrastructure provides options that become especially valuable during international conflict, shipping disruptions, or sudden increases in operational demand.

The CSA polling underscores public recognition of the connection between American energy, economic strength, and national security. California policymakers should recognize that connection as well. Partnering with in-state producers, providing workable permitting pathways, and preserving refining capacity would support the installations that defend America’s West Coast and help American forces remain ready to defend freedom at home and around the world.