Gas Prices Soaring in California: Professor Michael Mische's Unsettling Study Reveals the Real Culprits
Predicted surge in gas prices: Study suggests blue states might face $8 gasoline expenses by next year, sparking bipartisan worry
California residents brace themselves for a rough fueling future, as recent studies suggest gas prices might skyrocket to unimaginable heights. According to University of Southern California professor Michael Mische, the real villains behind this consumers’ nightmare aren't oil conglomerates overcharging consumers but rather the very policies and taxes the state has put in place.
Mische's revelation stems from a study that sheds light on the significant impact California policies have on gas taxes and refineries, eventually driving the prices up.
Californians already reeling under sky-high gas prices could potentially see an increase of nearly $8.43 per gallon by next year due to the closure of two state refineries. The Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles and the Valero’s Benicia refinery in Northern California are set to close, sending shockwaves throughout the Golden State and neighboring regions reliant on California's supply.
In response to the study, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's office dismissed it as “unsourced,” claiming they are working to prevent production issues. Undeterred, the research has sparked concerns across party lines.
Congress is already taking action against California’s scheduled gas-powered vehicle ban, with former Los Angeles mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa posting a sharp warning on social media. He highlighted that continued drive to oust refineries would push prices to alarming heights, burdening consumers who can least afford it.
Republican lawmakers have lambasted Newsom over policies that could potentially lead to price surges. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher and Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares have voiced their concerns, accusing Newsom of neglecting working Californians in his pursuit of ambitious environmental goals.
Professor Mische's research underscores the gravity of the situation. With refinery closures looming and restrictive environmental policies in place, California's gas prices could increase by approximately 33.6% by the end of 2025, reaching between $6.05 and $6.43 per gallon. By 2026, the situation could escalate further, potentially pushing the average price to a whopping $8.43 per gallon.
This grim outlook highlights that California's high gasoline prices may well be a self-inflicted wound, brought upon by the cumulative impact of aggressive environmental regulations, increased taxes, and other policies that escalate refinery operating costs and hasten refinery closures, ultimately leaving consumers grappling with steep price hikes at the pump.
- Professor Michael Mische's study reveals that California's aggressive environmental regulations and increased taxes contribute to elevated gas prices by exacerbating refinery operating costs and hastening refinery closures.
- The closure of two California refineries, the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles and the Valero’s Benicia refinery in Northern California, could potentially boost gas prices by nearly $8.43 per gallon by next year.
- Congress has already taken action against California’s scheduled gas-powered vehicle ban, with former Los Angeles mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa expressing concerns that the refinery closures could push prices to alarming heights, burdening consumers who can least afford it.
- Republican lawmakers have criticized Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for policies that could potentially lead to price surges, accusing him of neglecting working Californians in his pursuit of ambitious environmental goals.
- By 2026, California's average gas price could escalate to a staggering $8.43 per gallon, according to professor Mische's research, underscoring the possibility that the state's high gasoline prices may well be a self-inflicted wound.
