Chico Times

SACRAMENTO – As Californians continue to struggle with the highest gas prices in the nation, Assembly Republicans have introduced a series of bills aimed at providing immediate and long-term relief for drivers across the state. This package includes measures to suspend the gas tax without impacting transportation projects, increase transparency on price-setting, and curb overregulation. These proposals stand in contrast to Governor Gavin Newsom’s plans.

“Through six years in office, Gavin Newsom has completely failed to bring down the cost of gas and California drivers have paid the price. This special session is just one more attempt by Newsom to distract from his role in driving up gas prices,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City). “While Democrats fall in line behind a scheme that Newsom’s own administration says could increase gas prices, Assembly Republicans have a common-sense plan to give drivers relief.”

The Republican bill package includes:

During Gov. Newsom’s six years in office, gas prices have risen nearly $1.50 per gallon, repeatedly breaking records and remaining substantially higher than in neighboring states. A bipartisan coalition throughout the Western U.S. opposes Newsom’s fuel storage mandate, with the Governors of Arizona and Nevada urging him to reconsider his plan.

An analysis of Newsom’s proposal by the California Energy Commission found it has the potential to “artificially create shortages in downstream markets” and “increase average prices.”