Chico Times

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher issued a statement criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom's recent proposal aimed at addressing California's high gas prices. Gallagher argued that the proposal, which mandates refiners to stockpile inventory to cushion against price spikes, fails to address the underlying issues contributing to high gas prices in the state.

Gallagher likened the situation to a restaurant scenario: "Let me put this in a way Gavin Newsom would understand: If the French Laundry was forced to make a bunch of meals but wasn’t allowed to sell them, their menu prices would go up. Same concept here."

He further suggested that if Newsom were serious about reducing gas prices, he would focus on streamlining the approval process for new gas storage projects and reducing regulations that increase costs. Gallagher stated, "If Newsom was serious about bringing down prices, he would streamline the approval process for new gas storage projects, stop pushing new regulations that will add even more costs and make it easier to produce energy here in California."

Gallagher also pointed out that California has some of the strictest regulations and highest gas taxes in the country, which contribute significantly to high gas prices. He concluded by saying, "Democrats have imposed the strictest regulations and highest gas taxes in the country – and that is all reflected in the price at the pump. Newsom’s announcement is just one more half-baked attempt to distract from that simple fact."

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