This week, Congressman David Valadao led the California Republican delegation in calling for Governor Gavin Newsom to halt the planned increase in the state’s gas tax scheduled for July 1, 2025. The current average price of a gallon of gas in California is $4.65, significantly higher than the national average of $3.22, as reported by AAA.
Congressman Valadao expressed concern over the impact on Central Valley families, stating, “California already has the highest gas prices in the nation, and instead of providing some relief, Governor Newsom continues to make it worse.” He urged that “Governor Newsom and the Democratic supermajority in Sacramento…suspend the gas tax” to alleviate financial pressure on working families.
Valadao’s efforts over recent years have focused on suspending this annual tax hike. Alongside this request, lawmakers also suggested pausing updates to California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS), anticipated to further raise fuel costs by an additional 65 cents per gallon.
The letter to Governor Newsom was supported by Reps. Doug LaMalfa, Tom McClintock, Kevin Kiley, Darrell Issa, Young Kim, Jay Obernolte, Vince Fong, and Ken Calvert. Rep. LaMalfa criticized both the state and CARB’s role: “At a time when Californians are already paying $1.44 more per gallon than the national average…the state is adding another 1.6 cents to the gas excise tax.”
Rep. Kiley warned that increasing fuel costs could push prices up across other sectors: “It won’t be long until we are paying an absurd $8 per gallon.” Meanwhile, Congresswoman Kim reiterated her stance against both LCFS and gas taxes due to their economic burden.
Rep. Obernolte emphasized that CARB policies overlook critical economic challenges: “Our state already has the highest gas prices in the nation…Californians—and my constituents—deserve relief.” Rep. Fong highlighted infrastructure investment and efficient fund usage as alternatives to increased taxation.
Finally, Rep. Calvert noted: “Californians already pay the highest gas prices in the country due to radical policies enacted by California Democrats,” expressing concerns about further hikes.
The full text of their letter can be accessed for more detailed information.
