Letters to the Editor: Despite the environmental concerns, a gas pipeline would benefit Californians

To the editor: Should California get its first gas pipeline (“California could get its first gasoline pipeline. Would that lower gas prices?,” Nov. 26)? I think the answer is yes.

A gas pipeline could link California to the refineries along the Gulf Coast, where there is an excess of refining capacity. California prices for gas have been stressed due to limited refining capacity and cost escalation when there is an interruption in refining. The access to Gulf Coast refining should reduce the cost of gas at the pump in California.

I understand that using electric vehicles to reduce pollution is desirable. However, the current percentage of EVs on the road is only about 4%-5%. This number will increase, but somewhat slowly now that subsidies on EV purchases have been cut. In the meantime, most drivers here must buy gas and need to purchase it at reasonable prices.

Philip Hiestand, Irvine

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To the editor: Instead of running around the world in his apparent effort to win the White House in 2028, Gov. Gavin Newsom needs to stay home and fix the many problems he and his progressive allies have created.

The leaders of the state of California have worked very hard to drive out the oil companies. In response, many oil refineries are closed and more are closing soon. The average Californian is now paying around $4-$5 per gallon of gas. Imagine that cost going up to $6-$7 per gallon, or even higher if we lose too many more refineries.

Instead of talking about building a new pipeline (which would cost taxpayers), Newsom needs to sit down with the executives at the energy companies and find a way to stop those remaining refineries from closing. Poor and lower middle class folks will be hurt badly from higher gas prices. He should try to fix the problems found in California before he inevitably runs for president in 2028.

Doug McDermott, Santa Monica

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To the editor: Gasoline and diesel are considerable contributors to carbon emissions in the United States and will need to be replaced, but a more reasonable timeframe for this change needs to be considered.

Under California’s 2021 Senate Bill 100, the state’s clean electrical power capacity will need to triple to support its population’s transfer to electric vehicles. This will take too long as oil shipments from trains and ships continue. These methods pose greater risks of major spills, the likes of which we’ve witnessed in incidents such as the recent train spill in Dodge County, Wis.

The pipelines cannot be a long-term solution. But with the impending stop of production from the Wilmington and Benicia refineries, the demand for fuel will only increase. The current structure for the import of fuel will eventually cause unnecessary environmental harm.

Quinn Carr, Dell Rapids, S.D.