I know a couple companies who own drilling rights in the Pt. Pedernales and Tranquillion Ridge oil plays off the California coast. The TR is a potentially large discovery. The state won't allow them to drill for fear of environmental spills. Their 1 year study is going on 8 years now (I have no idea the current status, but its still ongoing). Therefore your oil is being refined elsewhere and shipped in creating larger consumer costs. Granted the price is high everywhere, but at least your state can do something about it. Those east coasters are forced through no fault of their own (well, except for their high thurst for oil).