Local Issues
This section contains a short list of energy issues in the San Francisco Bay Area with links to learn more.
We will look at these lenses through the perspectives we have discussed so far (security, cost, accessibility, justice).
California Refinery Closures
Calfornia gas consumption appears to have peaked and California refineries are configured for its stringent pollution controls creating the conditions for stranded assets.
- Richmond Refinery Closure
- Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) Petroleum Phaseout Plan
- UCS on Pennsylvania Refinery
- Has California gasoline peaked
Local Solar Farms
A 4-MW solar farm with battery storage has been built in Ukiah. This could be a template for more local solar installation in Sonoma County.
GeoZone
The GeoZone is an effort to create new advanced geothermal electricity generation in the Sonoma County area.
Roseland Decarb
California is investigating the feasibility of removing natural gas supply from neighborhoods. Sonoma Clean Power is working with the Bren School at UCSB to study the implications of fully electrifying the Roseland community in Santa Rosa.
Pyrolisis
In late 2025, the Rohnert Park community opposed the operation of a plastic recycling plant. The plant was to recycle plastic into an oil that could be used as a fuel for combustion or a feedstock for plastic production. There were community concerns about toxic emissions from the site. The company withdrew its California plans and announced plans to operate in Texas.