Kings County Times

Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) has led the California Republican congressional delegation in urging Governor Gavin Newsom to suspend the state's upcoming gas tax increase, scheduled for July 1, 2024. According to AAA, while the national average price for a gallon of gas is $3.60, Californians are paying an average of $5.13 per gallon.

“Governor Newsom has failed to provide relief at the pump for hard-working Californians struggling with rising costs,” stated Congressman Valadao. “My constituents are already paying the highest gas prices in the country, and the fact that our prices are about to go up even more because of the state’s policies is unacceptable. I am once again urging the Governor to suspend the gas tax to lower prices for Central Valley families.”

For two years, Rep. Valadao has led efforts to halt the annual July 1st gas tax increase, aiming to provide relief to middle-class Californian families affected by inflation. The lawmakers also highlighted concerns over a recent report from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which indicates that gas prices may rise by 47 cents per gallon in 2025 due to Low Carbon Fuel Standard reforms.

Joining Congressman Valadao in this appeal were Reps. Ken Calvert (CA-41), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Young Kim (CA-40), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Michelle Steel (CA-45), John Duarte (CA-13), Mike Garcia (CA-27), and Darrell Issa (CA-48).

In their letter addressed to Governor Newsom, they expressed deep concern about two impending gas price hikes affecting all Californians. They referenced CARB's September 2023 report predicting a 47-cent per gallon increase next year due to Low Carbon Fuel Standard reforms, coupled with an existing gas tax hike expected on July 1st that could raise prices by nearly 60 cents per gallon.

“For the past two years, we have urged you to suspend the gas tax, given the ongoing challenges faced by Californians that are forced to choose between filling their gas tanks and putting food on the table,” read part of their letter. "Our concerns have continued to be ignored while Californians suffer the consequences."

According to AAA’s state gas price averages, California leads the nation with regular gasoline priced at $5.26 per gallon—45 cents higher than any other state.

“With the cost of goods continuing to rise across the board, we must act now to pursue all avenues of relief for California families," concluded their letter. "We urge you to immediately suspend increases to California’s excise tax on gasoline and work with CARB to ensure that Californians do not suffer unnecessarily."

###