Californians Slam Newsom's Plan for More Gas Price Hikes

Critics say tightening emissions caps could further drive up the cost of gasoline and diesel in the state.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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As gas prices continue climbing in California, residents are increasingly venting their frustration at Gov. Gavin Newsom, accusing him and Sacramento of piling on policies and 'taxing us to death.' The backlash centers on draft regulations tied to the state's Cap-and-Invest program, which critics say could further drive up the cost of gasoline and diesel in a state where drivers already pay far more than the national average.

Why it matters

California's Cap-and-Invest program aims to limit emissions from large polluters, but critics argue the tightening rules could ripple through the fuel market and land directly on consumers already struggling with high gas prices. This debate highlights the tension between environmental policies and the economic burden on residents.

The details

The Cap-and-Invest program currently adds about 24 cents per gallon to the cost of gasoline in California. Gas prices averaged around $4.80 per gallon in early March, compared with roughly $3.25 nationwide. Critics say the proposed amendments to tighten emissions caps could threaten the viability of California's remaining refineries, potentially leading to more shutdowns, job losses, and higher fuel costs. Environmental groups, meanwhile, are urging regulators to close what they describe as a 'biogenic CO2 exemption loophole' that allows biofuel producers and distributors to avoid buying carbon allowances.

  • Gas prices in California averaged around $4.80 per gallon in early March 2026.
  • The proposed amendments to the Cap-and-Invest program are currently under consideration by regulators.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who has strongly backed the tightening of emissions caps under the state's Cap-and-Invest program.

California Air Resources Board

The state agency that oversees the Cap-and-Invest program and is considering the proposed amendments to tighten emissions caps.

Chevron

An energy giant that has warned the proposed amendments could 'cripple the survivability' of California's refining industry, potentially leading to more shutdowns, job losses, and higher fuel costs.

Biofuelwatch

An advocacy organization that is urging regulators to close what it describes as a 'biogenic CO2 exemption loophole' that allows biofuel producers and distributors to avoid buying carbon allowances.

Victoria Comfort

A California resident who criticized the state's policies, saying 'None of these taxes are helping Californians. They aren't helping the environment. It's policy that has screwed the oil and gas industry in CA and policy that is bankrupting Californians through more gas taxes, already the highest in the nation.'

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What they’re saying

“Stop taxing us to death. None of these taxes are helping Californians. They aren't helping the environment. It's policy that has screwed the oil and gas industry in CA and policy that is bankrupting Californians through more gas taxes, already the highest in the nation.”

— Victoria Comfort, California resident (nypost.com)

“California's leaders must stop these burdensome regulations that disproportionately harm families and workers. Stop taxing us to death.”

— Ramona Bonitatis, Santa Clarita resident (nypost.com)

“California's overseers managed the impossible: destroy in-state refining, kill high-paying local jobs, increase import dependence, and then pretend consumers are the problem. Californians are not using less oil. They're just being forced to buy the same energy through a dumber, weaker, more expensive supply chain.”

— Michael Chavez (nypost.com)

“California has a reputation for excessive regulations that make life expensive for all citizens, especially the poor. I cannot afford an electric vehicle and the infrastructure does not exist to support it.”

— Brian Rohmer (nypost.com)

What’s next

The California Air Resources Board is expected to make a decision on the proposed amendments to the Cap-and-Invest program in the coming months.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between California's ambitious environmental policies and the economic burden they place on residents, particularly those struggling with high gas prices. As the state pushes to further reduce emissions, it will need to balance these competing priorities and find ways to support its residents through the transition.