Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, discusses the FTC’s move to bar oil and gas CEOs from joining boards, a report that a Tren De Aragua member is accused of recruiting middle school students, and the use of FEMA funds for illegal immigrants.
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday signed a bill aimed at curbing gas price hikes immediately after state lawmakers approved the law in a final vote.
Democrat-backed measure, Assembly Bill X2-1was introduced in response to rising state gas prices and will require refineries to maintain a minimum level of fuel in an effort to avoid shortages, leading to higher prices at the pump.
The law also allows the state Energy Commission to set new rules for sustainable fuel supply and refinery maintenance. Additionally, it will authorize the CEC to approve scheduled maintenance sessions to avoid supply disruptions.
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A customer pays for gas at a Mobil station in Los Angeles on Oct. 5, 2023. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking to reporters after signing the bill, Newsom accused oil companies of defrauding while Americans struggle to pay for gas.
“They’re taking advantage of the economic advantage. They’re buying into their deception,” Newsom told reporters after signing the bill in Sacramento. “They ran away from it for decades.”
“Hard working people … just trying to make ends meet, go to work, take care of their kids. And they’re cheating,” he added. “It’s been years and years. There’s no other way to put it.”
California drivers already pay $1.47 more per gallon of gas than the rest of the country, according to AAA.
After Monday’s vote, the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), which opposed the legislation, said the legislation was a “smokescreen” hidden from Californians.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters during a visit to the Antioch Water Treatment Plant, Aug. 11, 2022, in Antioch, Calif. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
“Law enforcement still fails to understand our industry or what drives fuel prices,” WSPA President and CEO Catherine Reheis-Boyd said in a statement. “Regulators remain unfocused on regulating businesses with additional taxes, fees, and costly demands.”
“For Californians hoping for lower energy prices, stable food costs, and answers about the $1.30 per gallon tax and fees they’re already paying at the pump — they’ll have to wait for new leadership,” Reheis-Boyd said.
Newsom introduced the bill in August and called the state legislature into a special session to try to pass it. It passed by a vote of 41-16.
He also reprimanded Big Oil companies for being more interested in making profits than serving customers.
Pump jacks and wells are seen near McKittrick, California. (David McNew/Getty Images/File)
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“They’ve been lying to you year after year,” Newsom said. “Crude oil prices are going down. Taxes aren’t going up. You see gas prices going down across the country but going up in California.”
“But they’re buying all these ads saying somehow it’s California’s fault,” he added.
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