Three refineries that blend gas specifically for California have shut down. (Nevada and Arizona also buy some of this gas.)

In addition to that, independent gas stations are shutting down on 12/31, due to the requirement that all storage tanks have to be "double wall". Only the big corporations can afford that.

Hilarity ensues...

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 12-17-2025).]

I guess you like watery gas
extra steam power ?
I like the drinking water gas free

stuff leaks
preventing leaks costs money

BTW the big oil corp bought up all most all big city stations corner lots
so mom and pops are on a lease tanks ain't their problem

quote ...due to the requirement that all storage tanks have to be "double wall"

As California move to phase out gas-powered vehicles, independent station owners are facing significant challenges.

California SB 445 Compliance
The law requires all single-wall underground storage tanks (USTs) to be either upgraded or removed by December 31, 2025.

Starting in January 1, 2026, non-compliant gas stations face fines of $5,000 per tank, per day.

California Faces Looming Fuel Crisis as State Deadline Threatens to Shut Down Local Gas Stations
https://cfca.energy/2025/06...-local-gas-stations/

quote Originally posted by ray b: I guess you like watery gas extra steam power ? I like the drinking water gas free stuff leaks preventing leaks costs money BTW the big oil corp bought up all most all big city stations corner lots so mom and pops are on a lease tanks ain't their problem

It's good to hear from you!
I hope you're recovering from your hospitalization.

quote Originally posted by ray b: I guess you like watery gas extra steam power ? I like the drinking water gas free stuff leaks preventing leaks costs money BTW the big oil corp bought up all most all big city stations corner lots so mom and pops are on a lease tanks ain't their problem

Ray, you're kind of a "hike" from California. I don't think you need to worry about contaminated California drinking water. And that's based upon the premise that there are enough leaks to warrant this action. Knowing California's record of screwing their citizens, and trying to get rid of gas cars by any means possible, I very much doubt that.

And yeah... it costs money. A video that I saw said $2 million per station, to replace the tanks.

Mom and Pops on a lease? Maybe. Or maybe not. Seems plausible. I'm only a few hundred miles from you, so I'm not in a position to know that or not.

But none of this addresses the shutdown of the refineries. That's got nothing to do with groundwater.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 12-17-2025).]

Why are all the oil refineries leaving California?

In the '80's, we had around 40 refineries were operating in the state of California.

Valero, Chevron and Philipps 66 all announced they're pulling out of California...

Depending upon who you talk to, that number is now down to about 7 full refineries and 5 smaller, privately owned refineries.

quote Gas Buddy-dot-com's Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick De Haan: It's clear that the political environment in California has been hostile to refiners...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTzKU7TZ0_A

...and this.

But wait! There's more! Newsom has got to be the dumbest SOB walking the face of the earth