Democrat lawmakers in California are suddenly scrambling to contain a gas price crisis — one that critics say is the direct result of their own failed policies and relentless war on American energy.
During a heated Wednesday hearing, members of the California Committee on Utilities and Energy grilled state regulators about the looming shutdown of two major oil refineries.
The closures, which could cause gas prices to skyrocket by up to 75%, come after years of Democrat-led attacks on fossil fuel producers in the state.
“I know what climate leadership does not look like, and that is $10 gas,” declared Democrat Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, confronting regulators with the devastating reality that ordinary Californians may soon face at the pump.
As oil refiners plan to close, California Democratic lawmakers signal they’ve lost trust in state regulators in Gov. Newsom’s administration.
CA will need more oil to be shipped in from other countries, meaning more air pollution, tighter fuels market, and higher gas prices. pic.twitter.com/NNqJa0sNRO
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) May 29, 2025
California already has the highest average gas prices in the nation, according to AAA — and it’s no mystery why.
State lawmakers, backed by Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom,