California Refinery Closure Impacts Skilled Workers as State Transitions from Fossil Fuels
A California pipe fitter earning $118,000 annually faces career uncertainty as the Phillips 66 Los Angeles refinery prepares to close. The shutdown reflects broader industry transitions affecting thousands of skilled workers across the state’s refining sector.
California refinery workers are facing unprecedented career uncertainty as the state’s energy transition accelerates, with skilled tradespeople like pipe fitter Wilfredo Cruz reaching substantial earnings only to confront potential job loss when facilities close. The 37-year-old has worked for twelve years at the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles, building his income to $118,000 annually, but now wonders what comes next as the facility prepares to cease operations.