Chico Times

A recent study by the University of Southern California (USC) has brought to light the factors contributing to the high gas prices in California. According to the findings, these elevated costs are primarily due to state policies, rather than the influence of major oil companies.

The research, which included contributions from Michael Mische of the USC Marshall School of Business, outlines various state-imposed measures. These include a significant 60 cents per gallon gas tax, Cap-and-Trade programs, and a suite of other regulations, which collectively account for gas prices in California being $1.60 above the national average.

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher has voiced his opinion on the matter, asserting, “Democrats love to blame everyone but themselves. But the facts are clear—it’s their radical policies that are driving up the cost of living, especially at the pump.”

The implication from these findings is that the current fiscal policies are financially burdening Californians, particularly affecting the working families of the state. Gallagher emphasized that, "the gas tax, far-left policies, and expensive regulations are jacking up costs on Californians – and now hardworking families are paying the price for Gavin Newsom’s political games."