Newsom orders early sale of cheaper winter gas as prices go above $6 – stops short of suspending gas tax

Published on

CALIFORNIA – Assembly Republicans put out a list of solutions they say would help immediately help lower gas prices. 

In response, Governor Gavin Newsom directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB), on Wednesday, to allow for an early transition to the cheaper winter-blend gasoline, but stopped short of suspending the gas tax for a year as requested.

Photo credit: AAA

According to AAA, the average gas price across California was $6.07 as of September 30. The national average is $3.82.

The winter-blend gas will lower prices 10 to 30 cents per gallon

Additional gas relief solutions

Californians are now paying $2 more per gallon of gas compared to the national average,” tweeted Assemblyman Juan Alanis. “This is brutal for working families and people on a fixed income.”

Assembly Republicans said gas prices can immediately be lowered by:

  • Suspending the gas tax for one year
  • Eliminate hidden gas taxes
  • Transition to winter blend gas when oil prices spike
  • Stop the annual gas tax increase

Newsom sent a letter to CARB directing the department to immediately take whatever steps are necessary to allow for an early transition to winter-blend gasoline. The blend is typically not sold until after October 31.

RELATED: SoCalGas expands eligibility for grants up to $500 to pay gas bill

Price gouging allegations

In addition to the early transition of the winter-blend gas, Newsom also directed the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight to report, by January 1, 2024, initial proposals for reforming the spot market in California. 

He says this will protect Californians from the market-distorting behavior between refiners and traders that the current structure of that market may allow. 

Assemblymember James Gallagher says Newsom’s price gouging allegations are unfounded.

“Everyone knows that prices are high because of California’s taxes and regulations,” said Gallagher.

Following Newsom’s directive, Republicans sent a letter asking him to call a special session of the Legislature to again temporarily suspend the gas tax.

spot_img

Latest articles

California sues Trump over Musk’s ‘unconstitutional power’

CALIFORNIA – California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced, February 13, that California, along with...

CA lawmaker introduces bill to cap electricity rate hikes and ban safety power shut offs

CALIFORNIA – California State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley) introduced, February 12, SB...

Popular craft store closing 500 locations nationwide – laying off 209 warehouse employees in CA

CALIFORNIA – Joann announced, February 12, that it was closing 500 stores nationwide, including...

FAIR Plan receives $1 billion bailout – law allows insurers to recover 50% from CA property owners

CALIFORNIA – California Department of Insurance (CDI) commissioner Ricardo Lara approved the FAIR Plan’s...

More like this

California sues Trump over Musk’s ‘unconstitutional power’

CALIFORNIA – California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced, February 13, that California, along with...

CA lawmaker introduces bill to cap electricity rate hikes and ban safety power shut offs

CALIFORNIA – California State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley) introduced, February 12, SB...

Realtors awarding $1,000 housing assistance grants to SoCal fire victims

CALIFORNIA – The California Association of Realtors (CAR) announced February 10, that it is...