to force oil refineries to store more gas to curb price spikes. His administration claims a minimum stock of fuel would prevent increases, something Republicans have strongly pushed back on.
California Energy Commission officials said in 2023 that there were 63 days when state refineries held less than 15 days of gas supplies. Officials claimed that if Newsom’s proposal had been in place, it would have saved more than $650 million in gas costs. “It is clear from his unworkable mandates that he cares more about political headlines than actually implementing policies that will provide Californians with reliable and affordable energy.” Fong said in a statement, adding that Newsom “would be intentionally disrupting needed energy production and raising costs with the mandate.”Residents of nearby swing states Arizona and Nevada would likely see their gas prices go up, too, and experience limited availability in supply linked to the mandate.
“Because of the state of the presidential race, because of the very visible presence Newsom had on the national stage, it’s inevitable California policies will be discussed at the national level,”