California’s Call for Chevron Boycott Meets Criticism

Economists and energy analysts are pushing back against California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent suggestion to boycott Chevron, asserting that the state’s escalating gas prices are a direct result of his anti-energy policies.

This week, Newsom encouraged drivers in California to steer clear of Chevron stations during the Memorial Day weekend due to rising fuel costs.

He stated:

Californians, if you’re hitting the road this holiday weekend, avoid Chevron at all costs.

Just a tip: Unbranded gas comes from the same refineries, storage tanks, and pipelines, and meets the same state standards to keep your engine running cleanly, even if it lacks a label like “Techron.”

Big oil companies have already made billions off the Iran conflict. Don’t be misled into overpaying for a brand name.

Critics argue that Newsom is attempting to deflect blame from his administration’s policies that limit energy production.

Despite the rise in gasoline prices, California, amid tensions with Iran, continues to experience distinctly high price levels.

Many policies contributing to increased energy costs include:

• California imposes an excise tax of 61.2 cents per gallon on gasoline, which is nearly double the national average.
• The California Energy Commission forecasts that by March 2025, compliance costs for environmental regulations will add another 0.54 cents per gallon. These include state cap-and-trade initiatives and low-carbon fuel requirements.
• Refinery capacity in the state is on track to decrease by 17 percent over the next 12 months.

In light of energy producers leaving the state, Senator Cynthia Lummis remarked that Newsom’s future presidential aspirations seem bleak.

“California isn’t going to be able to produce its own energy. It’s one of the most energy-rich regions, but they refuse to ‘drill, baby, drill,'” stated Stephen Moore, chair of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity.

“Let’s provide a brief civics lesson for Sacramento: Chevron creates thousands of jobs, boosts California’s economy, and keeps gas flowing. What does excessive regulation lead to? Higher prices and less freedom. Californians need more Chevrons, not more Newsoms,” said Steve Forbes, chairman of Forbes Media.

Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell added, “California’s soaring gas prices stem from decades of anti-energy regulations that have favored green initiatives over consumer needs. Instead of blaming corporations, Mr. Newsom should own up to his own policies.”

Steve Milloy, ex-adviser for the Trump EPA transition team, quipped, “Let’s allow Gavin Newsom to take a break from governing California for a weekend and shut down Chevron. Let’s see who Californians miss more.”

Jason Isaacs, CEO of the American Energy Association, remarked, “Chevron has rightly criticized California’s extreme ‘green’ policies that inflate gas prices. Sacramento’s decisions have led to this, and now we face higher costs. Politicians are opting for foreign oil over local jobs and savings.”