Oil Industry Launches $4.3 Million Ad Campaign Blaming California Climate Policies for Rising Energy Costs

Oil industry allies in California are launching a multimillion-dollar ad campaign blaming state climate policies for rising gasoline and electricity costs. The details surrounding the ads are unclear, but some observers believe this is an effort by the fossil fuel industry to influence California’s transition away from oil and gas towards cleaner energy options. The ads, which have been put on television and Facebook, have been supported by two nonprofit coalitions, Californians for Energy Independence (CEI), and Californiansfor Affordable and Reliable Energy, who have spent $4.3 million so far this year. The commercials take a broad approach to energy and climate issues and do not mention specific regulations, referendums or candidates. However, they do not directly address a major electoral battle in California next year, where voters will decide if to remove a state law barring new oil wells near schools, homes, parks, and other sensitive sites.