California's Gas Price Surge Signals Deeper Policy Problems

California drivers face another spike at the pump as Memorial Day weekend approaches. Gas prices in the state have surged more than 23 cents in recent weeks, now averaging $4.83 per gallon, well above the national average.

This isn’t just about holiday travel. It’s a symptom of a larger issue: California’s energy policies have pushed the state into a corner. Layers of regulations, threats of oil production and refinery shutdowns have left the state dangerously dependent on costly foreign oil imports.

Last week, there was a lot of coverage and talk about the refinery closures. This was led by USC’s Michael Mische, who stated that if the two refineries (P66 and Valero) are shut down, gas prices are likely to rise to $8 per gallon by 2026. That’s not inflation. That’s a policy failure.

According to AAA, nearly 5 million Californians are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend. Gas prices will be front and center every time a California motorist has to refill their gas tank. The heat won’t just be coming from the sun. It’ll be coming from Sacramento’s regulatory overreach. And it’s burning through Californians’ wallets.

We saw even Democratic gubernatorial candidates express frustration over California’s sky-high gas prices at the recent labor forum in Sacramento, proving this isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a pocketbook crisis. Our fight continues: we’ll keep pushing our message, demanding accountability, and working to deliver real relief for our members and the millions of Californians who can’t afford more policy-driven price hikes.