by Katy Grimes, E&E Legal Senior Media Fellow and California Globe Editor
As Appearing in the California Globe
‘While this policy change is well-intentioned, it is likely not sufficient to stabilize the state’s pipeline and refining infrastructure’
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation in September that fast tracks the approval of 2,000 new wells per year over the next 10 years in Kern County, a significant oil-producing region.
“Translation: I, Gavin C. Newsom, am slightly reversing course on my own policies because they suck and would have driven gas and electricity prices even higher,” Assembly Republican leader James Gallagher posted on X. “Nonetheless I am not lowering any of those costs. Good luck to you California. I’m busy running for President.”
Gallagher nailed Gov. Newsom’s motive.
California Democrats’ war on the oil and gas industry is working, but not for the people, or the oil and gas industry. Governor Gavin Newsom in April directed state officials to increase efforts to guarantee reliable fuel supplies for the nation’s biggest auto market, prompting oil companies to blame state policies for difficult business conditions and high pump prices.
But California’s gas prices have remained the highest in the country. Today AAA reports the national average cost of a gallon of gas at $3.04, and California’s average is at $4.58 per gallon – California’s average is $1.54 higher than the national average. The highest in California is in Mono County at $5.83 per gallon.
