Posted on 09/30/2022 3:45:56 PM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced that oil refineries could start selling more polluting winter-blend gasoline ahead of schedule to ease soaring fuel prices, directly contradicting his own goals for reducing climate emissions.
The average cost of a gallon of gas was $6.30 in California on Friday, far above the national average of $3.80, according to AAA.
The Democratic governor also called on state lawmakers to pass a new tax on oil company profits and return the money to California taxpayers. Lawmakers don’t return to the Capitol until January, and Newsom’s office provided few details on the proposal.
“They’re ripping you off,” he said of the oil industry in a video posted to Twitter.
Oil industry representatives said it is state regulations that cause higher prices in California than the rest of the country. The summer blend of gasoline that refineries are required by law to produce in the hotter months costs more money to make but emits fewer greenhouse gases. Most refineries can’t switch to the winter blend until November.
It’s the latest spat between Newsom and the oil industry, which holds political and economic sway in California despite the state’s aggressive climate policies. But Newsom’s dual actions Friday also illustrate the complicated reality Newsom faces as he tries to wean the state off oil and gas while responding to economic reality.
Earlier this year, for example, Newsom’s administration turned to generators and power plants that run on fossil fuels to help avoid rolling power blackouts during a heat wave.
By urging air regulators to let oil companies switch to a winter blend earlier, Newsom is acknowledging that state rules play a role in prices, said Kara Greene, a spokeswoman for the Western States Petroleum Association.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
Newsome is still admitting Biden is incompetent. Because Trump kept them from ripping us off.
Lord, please forgive me for the white hot loathing I have for this minion of Satan.
Refiners should close down.
$3.98 in my territory of Arizona.
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