California Gas Prices Will Drop If New Proposal Is Approved

It's not a great time to be a driver in California. With the state's gas tax, Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupting the global oil market, and a drawn-out lawsuit alleging that oil companies are colluding to keep the state's gas prices high, California residents are draining their bank accounts at the pump.

That's why California politicians are proposing the suspension of California's 51 cents a gallon gas tax for one year. According to FOX5, San Diego Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond co-authored a letter to fellow Board of Supervisors members asking them to back the proposed suspension.

The proposal was released on Monday, March 7, just a day after gas prices across the state reached their highest levels since 2008, according to AAA.

“This is not a partisan issue,” said Desmond, who represents District 5. “This is hitting everybody left and right, no matter what side of the aisle you’re on.”

The gas excise tax has been steadily rising since 2017 as a way to raise funds for the state highway system and the local street and road system. “There is a $45 billion excess there of our money at the state,” Desmond continued. “A one-year reprieve is about $6 billion.”

If enough San Diego supervisors agree, the board will send the request to Gov. Gavin Newsom. According to FOX5, the proposal will be voted on at the board's next meeting on March 15.