CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 20: California Gov. Gavin Newsom looks on during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party's presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
A special session has been urgently called by California Governor Gavin Newsom to address the state's "concerning" rising gas prices, which averages $4.64 per gallon, per AP News. This is nearly 40% over the country's average of $3.33. Newsom's push comes after Democrats in the Assembly resisted his latest proposals to deal with energy packages, insisting that something needs to get done now to prevent future price spikes.
The special session, announced just as the legislative year wraps up, seeks to take action on reforms that will lower price spikes at the pump. Newsom also took a jab at the oil refineries for failing to maintain fuel supplies at normal levels, leading to higher prices at the pump simply to pad profits.
"These price spikes are actually profit spikes for Big Oil," Newsom said, calling for better planning from refineries to avoid future issues.
California Lawmakers Oppose Newsom's Special Session
The proposals have divided the Legislature. Los Angeles Times shared that while Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas support the special session for further discussions, some members of the Senate, including Republicans, have expressed opposition.
State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire stated that the Senate would not convene for a special session this fall, although discussions with the Governor would continue. McGuire instead urged lawmakers to pass Newsom's energy package before the legislative deadline.
At the center of the debate is a bill that would require oil refiners to maintain a minimum inventory of fuel, aiming to prevent future gas price spikes. According to ABC10, supporters argue that this measure could save drivers millions of dollars by ensuring steady fuel supplies, while opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association, claim it could lead to reduced supplies and higher costs for consumers.
More than gas prices, the special session will also address other energy affordability issues in the state, including proposals for a one-time rebate for electricity bills and measures to streamline renewable energy projects.
The timeline for the special session remains uncertain. But Assembly Democrats have expressed their commitment to working with the Governor to reduce gas prices as soon as possible.
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