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Mike Umbro, founder of Californians for Energy and Science, reveals how California's energy policies are creating economic hardship while potentially increasing global emissions through energy imports. We discuss the urgent crisis facing the state as refinery closures threaten to push gas prices toward $8.50 per gallon.

• California currently imports 75% of its oil from foreign sources compared to just 5% historically
• Two refineries closing in the next year will remove 19% of California's remaining refining capacity
• California's gas prices are the highest in the continental US and electricity rates are triple those in Texas
• Emissions from imports and shipping aren't counted in state carbon calculations, creating false impressions of progress
• 20% of California ratepayers are currently behind on their utility bills due to high energy costs
• California's energy policies affect neighboring states like Arizona and Nevada that depend on its refineries
• The industry has largely stopped applying for new drilling permits due to regulatory blockades
• Environmental policies should focus on "reduce, reuse, recycle" rather than eliminating local production
• Recent committee hearings suggest Sacramento officials are beginning to question current approaches

Check out Californians for Energy and Science at energyandscience.com to learn more about these issues and join our movement for sensible energy policy.

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Jeff Krimmel, founder of Krimmel Strategy Group (KSG), shares insights on making better strategic decisions in energy and building a business around data-driven strategy in uncertain times.

• Building external networks is crucial for career development, even when internal relationships seem sufficient
• Naming your business after yourself makes it easier for professional connections to find your company
• Strategic decisions in energy require balancing cost management with long-term asset value maximization
• Two company paths during downturns: battening down hatches versus strategic partnership formation
• Energy consolidation is pushing companies toward professionalizing operations rather than rapid expansion
• Creativity doesn't require revolutionary ideas – asking thoughtful questions others haven't considered creates value
• Introducing appropriate rigor to decision-making processes helps companies deploy capital more effectively
• Companies should be leaning into ambiguity and uncertainty to find opportunities
• Living in the oil field builds resilience that doesn't exist in many other industries

Have a good attitude. Listen, it sucks out there, it's a dumpster fire. You hear the worst news everywhere. Have a good attitude, that'll set you apart.

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Ryan Walker from Shumaker Advisors joins us to discuss how energy companies can navigate Washington politics and policy changes that directly impact their business operations and profitability.

• Pro-energy administration doesn't automatically mean better business conditions for all energy companies
• Budget reconciliation process currently threatens tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act
• Tariffs are being used as negotiating tools that affect energy supply chains and costs
• Companies should engage proactively with policy rather than reacting to crises
• Bipartisan engagement is essential—energy policy affects and concerns both political parties
• Government affairs support can function as a "fractional" team for companies without in-house expertise
• Energy policy has become increasingly politicized, creating volatility for long-term business planning
• Policy makers often "don't know what they don't know" about energy industry realities

If you're interested in learning more about navigating energy policy, connect with Ryan Walker on LinkedIn or visit Shoemaker Advisors to understand how federal decisions impact your business.