California Black Media

Sen. Bradford: State Must Do More as Senate Passes Gov’s Bill to Prevent Gas Price Spikes

On Oct. 11, during a special legislative session, the state Senate passed a bill backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that aims to prevent sharp increases in gas prices. California Legislative Black Caucus Vice Chair Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Inglewood), who chaired the Senate Special Committee on Fuel Supply and Price Spikes, applauded the passage of the bill but emphasized the state must do more.

Published

8 months ago

October 22, 2024

Oakland Post

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), chair of the Senate Committee on Fuel Supply and Price Spikes, and vice chair Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Chico) listen to testimony during a hearing held on Oct. 7 at the State Capitol Annex Swing Space. Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media (CBM).

By Tanu Henry, California Black Media

On Oct. 11, during a special legislative session, the state Senate passed a bill backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that aims to prevent sharp increases in gas prices.

California Legislative Black Caucus Vice Chair Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Inglewood), who chaired the Senate Special Committee on Fuel Supply and Price Spikes, applauded the passage of the bill but emphasized the state must do more.

“All members of the Senate share concern about the effect rising gas prices have on California families and the ripple effects that may have on the costs of other goods. Protecting consumers has always been our top priority,” said Bradford.

“As policymakers, we must be diligent in our oversight of the regulatory agencies to ensure that this legislation is implemented in a manner that protects the safety of the workers and makes gasoline more affordable for families. There is still much work to be done,” he added.

The bill, ABX2-1, authored by Assemblymembers Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) and Cecilia Aguiar-Curr (D-Winters) and Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) would authorize the California Energy Commission (CEC) to require refiners to store more gas.

“Rising gas prices impact everyone in California and nearly every facet of our lives – from how much we’re paying at the pump to the cost of what we’re buying at the store. Putting mechanisms in place to help prevent costs from spiking and sending family budgets into a tailspin benefits us all, and working together, we’ve been able to do just that,” said Senate President pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-North Coast).

“Thank you to all of the Senators for the swift, hard work and focus this week, and to our Assembly partners and Governor Newsom for their partnership on this effort,” McGuire continued.

The bill has been sent back to the Assembly for concurrence.

On the same day, Sen. Rosilicie Ocha Bogh (R-Yucaipa) sent a letter to McGuire urging the Legislature’s Democratic leadership to reconsider a bill she introduced to suspend the state’s excise gas tax after that legislation was killed.

“Our families across the state are facing unprecedented financial strain. From groceries to utilities, the cost of living continues to soar,” said Ochoa Bogh. “I’m deeply disappointed in the legislature’s decision to continue ignoring real solutions for lowering gas prices. It is our legislative duty to support struggling families.”