GOP senator pitches plan to slash California's sky-high gas taxes

Proposal could save drivers more than $1 per gallon, as even Dems call for relief

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:23am

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Republican California State Sen. Tony Strickland has introduced legislation that would suspend four different taxes and fees on gas, potentially saving drivers more than $1 per gallon. The proposal comes as even some Democratic candidates for governor have called for suspending the state's fuel tax or easing regulations as gas prices surge to over $5.50 per gallon.

Why it matters

California has some of the highest gas prices in the nation, driven in part by the state's various taxes and fees. This legislation aims to provide immediate relief to drivers struggling with soaring fuel costs, though it faces pushback from some state officials who argue the taxes fund important climate initiatives.

The details

Strickland's legislation would suspend the state's gas tax, waive the state's excise tax, and pause fees for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and Cap-and-Trade programs. Together, those taxes and fees accounted for 26% of the cost of gas in California in December 2025, according to the state's Energy Commission. If passed, the bill could potentially lower gas prices by as much as $1.44 per gallon.

  • Strickland's legislation will be the focus of a hearing on Wednesday morning at the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.
  • The bill includes an urgency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately for one year if passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The players

Tony Strickland

A Republican California State Senator who authored the legislation to suspend gas taxes and fees.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic Governor of California, who has declined to comment on the legislation and other calls to suspend gas taxes.

Matt Mahan

A Democratic candidate for California governor who has called for ending the state's excise tax on gas.

Antonio Villaraigosa

A Democratic candidate for California governor who has said he would roll back the state's costly clean energy initiatives if elected.

Lindsay Buckley

A spokesperson for the California Air Resources Board, who argued the state's climate programs have generated significant benefits that outweigh the added costs at the pump.

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What they’re saying

“Across the state, I've heard from families feeling the pressure every day — from high gas prices to out-of-control grocery costs that strain their budgets. My legislation is simple: It would temporarily suspend the gas tax, lowering the price of a gallon by $1.08. It's a short-term fix to a long-term problem facing our state, giving Californians some much-needed breathing room.”

— Tony Strickland, California State Senator

“The program benefits have been much greater than any added costs at the pump — raising $34 billion for climate investments, creating 30,000 jobs and cutting millions of tons of carbon emissions.”

— Lindsay Buckley, Spokesperson, California Air Resources Board

“Trump knew his war with Iran would raise gas prices. Now he wants to illegally resurrect a pipeline shut down by courts and facing criminal charges. And it won't even cut prices. I refuse to let Trump sacrifice Californians, our environment, or our $51 billion coastal economy.”

— Gavin Newsom

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate in California over balancing the need to provide relief to drivers with the state's ambitious climate goals. While suspending gas taxes could offer short-term savings, some officials argue the taxes fund important environmental programs that have broader societal benefits.