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-Editorial
On Tuesday, October 1, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), a member of the newly established Assembly Petroleum and Gasoline Supply Committee, voted to approve a data-driven gasoline price relief bill package. ABx2-1 and ABx2-9 reflect years of engagement and the implementation of data that prior state legislation mandated to be collected from the oil industry. These proposals would improve the stability of gas prices with requirements for oil companies such as maintaining minimum fuel reserves.
The California State Assembly was quick to respond to the gasoline affordability crisis and the Governor’s call for a special session. Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, appointed by Speaker Rivas to the Assembly Petroleum and Gasoline Supply Committee, has spent the past few weeks conducting public hearings and stakeholder engagement on the proposed package of legislative solutions before this week’s Assembly floor vote.
“I was grateful to be appointed to the Assembly Petroleum and Gasoline Supply Committee and have the opportunity to be a strong voice for the concerns of our constituents. Many families in our district are living paycheck to paycheck. Residents should not have to make the impossible choices between being able to afford essentials like food or fuel. The data-driven, legislative actions taken by the Assembly will protect Californians from the gas price spikes and hold oil companies accountable for price gouging,” said Assemblymember Garcia.
“Under the leadership of Speaker Rivas, the Assembly conducted a series of public hearings to ensure everyone had an opportunity to have their voice heard on this critical issue. Our committee has collaborated with our colleagues and listened to residents and stakeholders to advance solutions that will best support the people of California.”
The gasoline price relief package approved by the California State Assembly will now go to the California State Senate for their consideration.
The Assembly passed ABx2-1, authored by Assemblymembers Gregg Hart and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. The bill allows the state to require oil refiners to manage a minimum inventory of fuel to avoid supply shortages that create higher gasoline prices for consumers – and higher profits for the industry. It would also authorize the California Energy Commission to require refiners to plan for resupply during refiner maintenance outages.
The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.
“I’m grateful to the Assembly for joining with me in our efforts to prevent gas price spikes and save Californians money at the pump. Just last year, price spikes cost Californians more than $2 billion – forcing many families to make tough decisions like choosing between fueling up or putting food on the table. This has to end, and with the legislature’s support, we’ll get this done for California families,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said.
“I thank my Assembly colleagues for returning this special session to closely vet today’s proposals and ensure the public has a voice in this process,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas). “It’s the right thing to do, and it has made for stronger and smarter policy. Now, these bills not only require oil companies to maintain minimum fuel reserves to stabilize gas prices, but they also protect industry workers and frontline communities. We delivered an important and needed solution. But our work is far from over, and we will continue to fight to lower the cost of living in our state for all Californians.”
Supporters of the bill include mayors, local leaders, consumer organizations, environmental advocates, labor, business leaders, and consumer groups. Last week, the Governor and supporters met and discussed how gasoline price spikes affect millions of Californians’ everyday lives, and shared why this plan will help California families.