West OC Times

Senator Janet Nguyen has voiced strong opposition to Governor Gavin Newsom's recent oil regulation law, arguing that it will lead to increased gas prices. In an article published in the Orange County Register on October 14, 2024, Nguyen criticized the legislation passed during a special session of the Senate.

"I’ve been sounding the alarm on high gas prices and needless taxes for eight years in the state Legislature and seen some really bad bills. But nothing more ridiculous than what we’ve endured this week during a special session of the Senate," Nguyen stated.

Nguyen highlighted the economic challenges faced by Californians, citing high costs of living including groceries, utilities, housing, and gas. She questioned Governor Newsom's decision to implement another oil regulation that is projected to increase gas prices by 30 cents per gallon or $4 billion annually according to an analysis by the Western States Petroleum Association.

The new regulation comes in addition to a forthcoming 47-cent carbon tax from the Air Resources Board intended to encourage electric vehicle adoption. The special legislative session was convened at Newsom's request for oil companies to establish reserves aimed at preventing price spikes during refinery maintenance periods.

Nguyen expressed skepticism about blaming oil companies for price increases unique to California. "I don’t understand this obsession to blame oil companies on big price increases when it isn’t happening in any other state but here," she remarked, noting existing high gas taxes and costly regulations.

She posed a question regarding consumer preference: "Would you rather pay higher prices for a month during a temporary maintenance shutdown or 30 cents or more for the rest of your life?"