Conoco Phillips refinery in Rodeo (Credit: Getty)

It was inevitable. Oil processing is, technically, manufacturing. And it's big business in California.  So for the California Report, the oil industry-backed attempt to apply the brakes on the state's attempt to regulate climate changing emissions constitutes a Shifting Gears story, as well as a political story, and an environmental story.

I'll be watching this drama ahead of the November election, and I encourage you to add your comments, questions and concerns here on these blog pages.  This is your chance to help shape the coverage. How exciting is that?