In a move that is set to shake up the oil industry, California has passed a new law that will require oil refineries to produce cleaner-burning gasoline, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The law, which was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday, April 2, is expected to have significant implications for the state’s oil industry and could lead to higher gasoline prices for consumers.

The new law, known as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), will require oil refineries to reduce the carbon intensity of their gasoline by at least 20% by 2030. This means that refineries will need to use more low-carbon fuels, such as biofuels and hydrogen, and invest in new technologies that reduce emissions.

While the law is designed to combat climate change and improve air quality, it is expected to have a significant impact on the oil industry, which has long been a major player in the state’s economy. According to the California Energy Commission, the state’s oil refineries produce more than 40% of the gasoline used in California, and the industry employs more than 45,000 people.

However, supporters of the new law argue that it will create new opportunities for clean energy and innovation, while also reducing the state’s dependence on fossil fuels. “This is a critical step forward in our fight against climate change and our transition to a clean energy future,” said Governor Newsom in a statement.

The law has also been praised by environmental groups, who say it is a necessary step in the fight against climate change. “California’s new low carbon fuel standard is a game-changer,” said Kathryn Phillips, Director of Sierra Club California. “It will help us fight climate change and reduce air pollution, while also creating new jobs and investment opportunities in clean energy.”

However, critics of the law argue that it will lead to higher gasoline prices for consumers, and could put pressure on the state’s oil industry. “This is a heavy blow to California’s oil and gas industry, which has already been struggling with declining production and a tough regulatory environment,” said John Felmy, Chief Economist at the American Petroleum Institute.

As California takes a stand against the oil industry, it remains to be seen what the long-term implications of the new law will be. While it is expected to lead to cleaner air and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, it may also lead to higher gasoline prices and job losses in the oil industry. As with any major policy change, there are likely to be winners and losers, and only time will tell how the new law will play out in practice