A special session of the California Legislature is scheduled to resume Thursday in Sacramento, where lawmakers are expected to consider Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal aimed at preventing drastic gas price hikes and supply problems.
The governor’s plan would also authorize the California Energy Commission to require refineries to plan to resupply fuel during scheduled maintenance.
Newsom believes a lack of reserves is the reason for price spikes at the pump.
The proposal is opposed by Assemblyman Jim Patterson, who has served as vice chair of the state’s Utility and Energy Committee for the past 12 years, and other Republicans.
Critics of the plan say it would create gas shortages and force refineries to hold on to fuel that would typically meet market demand.
Gas prices tumble in LA and Orange counties
Meanwhile, the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County dropped 1.2 cents Thursday to $4.595, a day after dropping a half-cent.
The average price is 2.1 cents less than one week ago, 2.9 cents more than one month ago, but $1.432 less than one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It has dropped $1.899 since rising to a record $6.494 on Oct. 5, 2022.