Newsom's office warns Californians to avoid Chevron this holiday weekend, citing high gas prices
ABC7 Los Angeles • • business
Key Points:
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged drivers to avoid Chevron gas stations over Memorial Day weekend, accusing the company of charging 60 to 80 cents more per gallon than unbranded gas despite both meeting the same state standards.
- The dispute follows Chevron's campaign blaming California's climate policies for high gas prices, with signs at stations criticizing politicians and directing consumers to a Chevron webpage advocating for affordable energy.
- California's average gas price is $6.14 per gallon, significantly above the national average, partly due to the state's 70-cent-per-gallon tax, the highest in the U.S., and impacts from the global energy crisis caused by the Iran war.
- Newsom has enacted laws to curb oil company profits and stabilize fuel supplies, but regulatory actions have been delayed amid refinery closures and ongoing debates about climate policy effects on prices.
- The Chevron controversy also plays into California's political scene, with climate activist Tom Steyer criticizing Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra for accepting campaign donations from the oil company.