Sacramento Snapshot: Could California pause the gas tax or start charging drivers fees based on mileage? A look at dueling proposals in the statehouse

"We need to tackle the affordability crisis, and the high gas prices fall on the whole economy, but it really does fall disproportionately on hardworking families who live paycheck to paycheck. So when you're seeing this perfect storm coming around, I do think more people are open to some of the short-term and midterm and long-term solutions."

"That perfect storm includes the ongoing affordability crisis in California. On top of that, there is the escalating conflict in Iran and the Middle East, which, as of Friday, had increased gas prices in the U.S. by about 11%, according to the New York Times. Then there are the recent shutdowns of oil refineries: Phillips 66's Los Angeles refinery closed last year, and Valero's Benicia refinery is set to shutter in April."

California state Senator Tony Strickland, a Republican from Huntington Beach, is advancing Senate Bill 1035 to suspend the state gas tax for one year. He argues that current conditions create unprecedented momentum for this long-unsuccessful effort. Multiple factors converge: California's ongoing affordability crisis, escalating Middle East conflict driving U.S. gas prices up 11%, and recent oil refinery closures including Phillips 66's Los Angeles facility and Valero's Benicia refinery shuttering in April. California's average gas price reached $4.905 per gallon compared to the national average of $3.32. Strickland contends the gas tax disproportionately affects working families living paycheck to paycheck and estimates his proposal could save drivers $1.08 per gallon. He frames the suspension as a short-term solution while the state develops longer-term strategies.

Read at www.ocregister.com