Californians criticize Gavin Newsom’s plan for more gas hikes

As gasoline prices continue to rise in California – already the highest in the nation – citizens are increasingly expressing their frustrations with Gov. Gavin Newsom, accused him and Sacramento of piling on policies and “taxing us to death.”

The backlash centers on draft rules related to the state’s Cap-and-Invest program, overseen by the California Air Resources Board, which sets statewide limits on greenhouse gas emissions and requires major polluters to buy allowances for every ton of carbon they emit.

Critics say tightening those caps — strongly supported by Newsom — could further drive up the cost of gasoline and diesel in a situation where drivers already pay more than the national average.

“Stop charging us with the death tax,” Victoria Comfort wrote in response to the proposed laws. “None of these taxes help the people of California.

“They are not helping the environment. It is a policy that has hurt the oil and gas industry in CA and a policy that is sinking Californians with more gas taxes, which are already the highest in the country.”

According to the California Energy Commission, the Cap-and-Invest program currently adds about 24 cents per gallon to the cost of gasoline in the Golden State.

Gasoline prices averaged $4.80 per gallon in early March, compared to an average of $3.25 nationwide, according to AAA data.

The program works by reducing emissions of air pollutants – which account for about 80 percent of the government’s greenhouse gases – and forcing companies to buy allowances for each ton of emissions. Each year, several grants are issued, gradually tightening the cap.

Revenue from the program goes into the California Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which funds climate initiatives such as transportation and environmental programs.

But critics say stricter regulations could spill over into the gasoline market and directly reach consumers.

Oil companies and oil groups have warned that tougher regulations could threaten the viability of California’s remaining refineries. In a letter to the administration, energy giant Chevron warned that the proposed amendments could “harm the survival” of the state’s refining industry, potentially leading to more shutdowns, job losses and higher fuel costs.

The company noted that the oil and gas industry supports more than 530,000 jobs nationwide and contributes approximately $64 billion annually in tax revenue.

Meanwhile, environmental groups are urging regulators to move forward.

In a letter to CARB, advocacy group Biofuelwatch called on the board to close what it described as the “biogenic CO2 exemption loophole” that allows biofuel producers and distributors to avoid buying carbon credits for certain emissions.

The group says the exemption reduces demand for carbon credits and depresses carbon prices, costing the state nearly hundreds of millions of dollars in profits.

Using emissions data for 2024, the agency estimated that more than 23 million tons of biogenic fuel-related emissions would be removed from the system — representing up to $593 million to $712 million in potential revenue depending on permit prices.

But while policy experts debate the program’s effectiveness, many Californians say they’re already tired of paying more at the pump.

Others also blamed the government’s energy policies for weakening the country’s industry and increasing reliance on imports.

“California’s conservatives have done the impossible: destroy real estate, kill high-paying local jobs, increase dependence on foreign countries, and pretend consumers are the problem,” said Michael Chavez. “Californians aren’t using less oil. They’re just forced to buy the same energy with a dumber, weaker, more expensive alternative.”

Some residents also said that the state is moving too fast to install electricity without the infrastructure or power to support it.

“California has a reputation for extreme laws that make life more expensive for all citizens, especially the poor,” writes Brian Rohmer. “I cannot buy an electric car and the infrastructure is not there to support it.”

Ramona Bonitatis, a resident of Santa Clarita, said the proposed amendments will add to an already painful reality for drivers.

“Gas prices in my area are already approaching more than $5.00 per gallon,” he wrote in his remarks to regulators. “This disparity penalizes hard-working Californians every time we fill up while many other states enjoy prices in the $2–$3 range.”

Bonitatis urged officials to reject the amendments, warning that additional regulatory pressure could push prices even higher.

“California’s leaders must end these burdensome laws that unfairly harm families and workers,” she said. “Stop charging us with the death tax.”

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