WSS News Exclusive
Gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter brought her campaign to the Inland Empire, outlining her positions on energy policy, federal-state relations and environmental justice during a meet-and-greet with local residents.
The March 21 event, held at IBEW Local 47 and hosted by Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson, was part of Porter’s effort to engage voters across Southern California as she campaigns for governor.
Porter addressed concerns about offshore oil drilling and rising fuel costs, pointing to California’s unique regulatory framework as both a strength and a challenge.
“California has something called the low carbon fuel standard, meaning that our mix, how our gas is refined, is different than in every other state,” Porter said.
She explained that while the policy reduces pollution and smog, it also limits supply flexibility when refineries go offline, contributing to price spikes.
“That refining for that special fuel blend, which is a good environmental thing, only happens here,” she said.
Porter said the state should not respond by expanding fossil fuel production, instead advocating for long-term investment in renewable energy.
“I would say we should certainly step into the energy business, but I think California’s money is best spent putting in and pioneering green and clean energy,” she said.
She framed the shift toward clean energy as both an economic and public health priority, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
“Greener and cleaner energy is cheaper energy, but it’s also an environmental justice and racial justice issue,” Porter said.
Porter also addressed questions about California’s financial relationship with the federal government, including the idea of retaining more state-generated revenue rather than sending it to Washington.
“‘We don’t know’ is the short answer,” she said. “We’ve never quite been in this situation.”
Rather than pursuing an untested approach, Porter emphasized the need for stronger negotiation with federal leaders, including President Donald Trump.
“There is a role to be angry at President Trump,” Porter said. “But we also have to get into the nitty gritty.”
She pointed to California’s economic contributions and large military presence as leverage in those discussions, while underscoring the importance of congressional representation.
“Winning those House seats in the fall really, really matters,” she said.
Throughout the event, Porter positioned herself as a candidate willing to challenge powerful interests and lead with conviction.
“I am not scared of Donald Trump. I’m not scared of billionaires,” she said.
She added that leadership in uncertain times requires staying grounded in core values.
“The easiest way to stand tall is to lead from a place of values,” Porter said.
The Riverside stop is part of Porter’s broader outreach across the Inland Empire, a region expected to play a key role in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
