FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2025
Contact: Beatrice Lam, CFCA, Marketing & Communications Director
Telephone: (916) 646-5999
Email: beatrice@cfca.energy

California Business and Energy Leaders Urge Federal Action to Stabilize California’s Energy Future At Inaugural CA/DC Energy Summit
Washington, DC –
As California continues to face refinery closures, supply shortages, and rising energy costs, leaders from across the western region gathered in Washington, D.C. for the inaugural CA/DC Energy Summit on October 20-21, 2025, hosted by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA). The Energy Summit convened a cross-industry coalition of leaders from the fuel, business, energy, and equipment sectors to call for federal action that would strengthen fuel supply on the west coast, stabilize energy prices, and protect national security.
The two-day event featured Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) delivering the opening keynote on the importance of balanced federal energy policy, and Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA-03) joining participants at the National Energy Security Reception to discuss how energy reliability and affordability are fundamental to the nation’s economic and security interests.

The CA/DC Energy Summit coalition with Congressman Kevin Kiley at the National Energy Security Reception hosted by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance.
The reception also served as the stage for a major announcement from USC Professor Michael A. Mische, who unveiled his newest research paper, California Energy & Fuel Policies: A Clear and Present Threat to National Security and Force Readiness?, co-authored with California Assemblymember Stan Ellis. The paper explores the far-reaching influence of California’s fuel policies on U.S. military force readiness and national security. Click here to read the executive summary of the paper.
“California is setting the energy policies that will shape the nation, but these rules are being written without our voice at the table,” said Elizabeth Graham, CEO of the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance. “Our goal with the Energy Summit was to show federal lawmakers how deeply California’s energy landscape is connected to essential industries, neighboring states, and national security, and why the solutions we’re advocating for matter far beyond our state.”
With the Phillips 66 Wilmington refinery beginning its shutdown and the Valero Benecia refinery slated to cease operations in 2026, the state is heading towards a loss of 20% refining capacity, placing pressure on fuel supply, consumer prices, and small businesses. CFCA and its coalition partners came to Washington D.C. to urge federal lawmakers to take meaningful action in three key areas:
- Leveraging the Defense Production Act: Using federal authority to preserve critical refining capacity, protect regional fuel stability, and ensure energy security for both the civilian and military sectors.
- Advancing Lower-Carbon Liquid Fuels: Supporting lower-carbon liquid fuels as an immediate and affordable path to emissions reduction while maintaining reliability and affordability.
- Modernizing the Jones Act: Reforming the century-old maritime law to reduce domestic shipping costs, improve supply flexibility, and strengthen U.S. energy independence.
The Energy Summit highlighted that California’s energy challenges extend far beyond its borders. Neighboring states, military installations, and regional economies are also affected by California’s constrained energy infrastructure and regulatory environment.
“California’s energy problems don’t stop at the state line,” said Miranda Hoover, State Executive for the Energy & Convenience Association of Nevada. “When California’s supply is strained, the entire western region feels the impact: from higher transportation and fuel costs to potential risks for military readiness and cross-state commerce. Federal engagement is critical to stabilizing the region’s energy future.”
Participants left Washington with a unified message: California’s energy crisis is not just a state issue, it’s a national one. The challenges facing California’s fuel supply don’t happen in a vacuum; they ripple across the western region, impacting neighboring states, trade routes, and even national defense operations. Ensuring a stable, affordable energy supply for the country’s largest state economy is vital to national energy security, economic growth, and resilience.
“The conversations we had this week are just the beginning,” Graham added. “We’re committed to working with federal policymakers who understand that a stable California energy market benefits not only our residents and small businesses, but the nation as a whole.”
Members of the media interested in covering the Energy Summit or arranging interviews with CFCA leadership and industry stakeholders should contact Beatrice Lam at (916) 646-5999 or beatrice@cfca.energy.
For additional information, photos, speaker bios, and event highlights, access the official CA/DC Energy Summit Press Kit here.
###
About CFCA
CFCA is the industry's statewide trade association representing the needs of small and minority wholesale and retail marketers of gasoline, diesel, lubricating oils, motor fuels products, and alternative fuels, including but not limited to, hydrogen, compressed natural gas, ethanol, renewable and biodiesel, and electric charging stations; transporters of those products; and retail convenience store operators. CFCA's members serve California's families, agriculture, police and fire, cities, construction, and all consumer goods moved by the delivery and transportation industries.