Staff Reports
Citing the hardship on the state's people who pay the highest gas prices in the nation, a group of House Republicans from California are pleading with Governor Gavin Newsom to stop the yearly increases in the state's gas tax. The legislators, led by Rep. David Valadao, wrote to Newsom requesting that the two impending increases in the gas tax be canceled. The annual adjustment, which is set for July 1st, will be the first increase. The second increase is anticipated to be 47 cents because of modifications to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
"Gov. Newsom hasn't given relief to Californians facing rising costs at the pump," said a frustrated Valadao. My people already pay the highest gas costs in the nation, so it's unfair that the state's policies would force our prices to increase even further. Once more, I'm pleading with the governor to eliminate the gas tax and reduce costs for households in the Central Valley."
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The possibility that the yearly gas tax rise could raise the current tax by up to 60 cents worries the MPs. A representative for Newsom noted, meanwhile, that the excise tax rates will rise from 57.9 cents to 59.6 cents in accordance with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
At $5.15 per gallon, California is now the state with the highest average petrol price in the US; Hawaii is next, at $4.87 per gallon, approximately 30 cents less.
California typically sees a summertime hike in gas taxes each year. September of this year is expected to see an additional hike as a result of the California Air Resources Board's revisions to the low carbon fuel standard. According to the board's estimation, these revisions may result in a gas price increase of 47 cents in 2025 and 52 cents in 2026.
Valadao has written to Newsom requesting that he stop the yearly rise in the gas tax, as he has done so for the prior two years, but nothing has come of his requests. The legislators' letter outlines their continued concerns: "Due to the persistent issues encountered by Californians who must choose between paying for gas and putting food on the table, we have requested you to halt the gas tax for the previous two years. Californians are hurting, but our concerns have gone unanswered."
Despite the current economic issues, the party of House Republicans is not giving up on providing help for Californians who are suffering from high gas costs.
