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CA Energy Symposium |

Where Fuel Meets the Heart of the California Industries

The CA Energy Symposium is a CFCA event where all industries impacted by California’s energy policies come together to engage with local, state, and federal elected officials. This forum will highlight how these policies affect more than just the fuel industry and foster collaboration on practical, forward-looking solutions to address shared challenges.

Join us at the CA Energy Symposium to engage with experts on the front lines of California's energy challenges, amplify your industry's voice, and collaborate on actionable solutions to prevent future crises. As regulatory mandates tighten and infrastructure weakens, the future of California's energy stability - and our economy - is on the line. This year, we’re bringing the conversation to four CA regions to demonstrate how fuel supports and shapes key industries.

WHAT TO EXPECT

800AM 830AM-1000AM 1030AM-1130AM (16)

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Contact Natalie Ochoa at natalie@cfca.energy

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WHY THE CA ENERGY SYMPOSIUM MATTERS IN 2026

California’s energy challenges are impacting far more than just the price at the pump. Rising gasoline and diesel prices affect every stage of the supply chain, increasing costs for businesses, industries, and consumers across the state.

California's Unique Fuel Challenges

California consistently faces some of the highest fuel prices in the nation due to several factors:

SPECIALIZED FUEL REQUIREMENTS

California requires a unique gasoline blend, known as CARBOB, that is not widely produced outside the state, making fuel production and imports more expensive.

HIGH TAXES & REGULATORY COSTS

State and federal taxes, environmental programs, and regulatory fees account for a significant portion of California’s fuel prices. As of March 2026, approximately $1.37 per gallon of gasoline in California is attributed to state and federal taxes and fees imposed by the government.

LIMITED FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE

California operates as a “fuel island,” with limited pipeline connections to other U.S. refining regions, leaving the state heavily dependent on its own refinery system.

DECLINING REFINERY CAPACITY

California has lost multiple refineries over the years, the Phillips 66 Los Angeles refinery and the Valero Benicia refinery, reducing California’s refining capacity from 43 refineries in the 1980s to just seven major refineries operating today.

GLOBAL MARKET VULNERABILITY

Because California imports a large percentage of its crude oil, international conflicts and geopolitical instability such as the ongoing Iran War can quickly create fuel price spikes and supply disruptions within the state.

The Ripple Effect Across Every Industry

Fuel and energy costs influence nearly every aspect of California’s economy, including:

  • Agriculture and food production
  • Wine production and distribution
  • Trucking and goods movement
  • Logging and forestry operations
  • Manufacturing and construction
  • Consumer goods

As fuel prices rise, operational and transportation costs increase across the board, ultimately contributing to California’s higher overall cost of living.

Where Fuel Meets the Heart of California Industry (3)

Why These Conversations Are Critical

The CA Energy Symposium was created to bring together leaders from California’s fuel industry and other essential sectors to discuss the real-world impacts of California’s evolving energy landscape.

Through collaboration with industries including wine, agriculture, trucking, and logging, these sessions will:

  • Highlight the interconnectedness between fuel and California’s core industries
  • Explore the economic and operational impacts of energy policy and supply constraints
  • Foster cross-industry collaboration and problem-solving
  • Provide insight into practical, forward-looking energy solutions
  • Connect policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders in meaningful discussion about California’s energy future

As California faces increasing fuel supply challenges and economic pressure, these conversations are more important than ever.

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