California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, has long been viewed as having presidential ambitions, and his recent activities suggest that he is keen on making a mark. Even though the next election is still over three years away, he has started campaigning in South Carolina, voicing his opposition to immigration raids on cannabis farms, and even turning a family trip to Disneyland into a political statement.
However, before Newsom makes any bold moves on the national stage, he needs to focus on pressing issues back in California. The state is blessed with abundant natural resources, yet it has the highest cost of living in the U.S. This isn’t just about energy prices, which have a direct tie to the state’s affordability crisis and policies that many find questionable.
Here are a few key examples:
California gas tax increases
The pain at the pump is real for California drivers, who currently face gas prices averaging $4.51 per gallon, significantly higher—about 45%—than the national average. The situation worsened further with a recent tax hike that added 1.6 cents, expected to cost the average household around $612 annually. Another increase of up to nine cents is anticipated soon. Newsom’s office has even put out press releases celebrating the decline in gas prices, which feels a bit disingenuous given the current trends.
California refineries are shutting down
Sadly, the new gas taxes are just one part of the problem. Experts are warning that gas prices could soar to $8 a gallon following the closure of key refineries. Earlier this year, it was reported that the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles and the Valero refinery in Benicia plan to close by 2026, cutting off nearly 20% of the state’s gasoline supply.
This decline isn’t new; it reflects a troubling trend linked to regulatory issues and deficits. Back in the 1980s, California had around 43 active refineries, but that number dropped to just 14 last year—a staggering decline of 67%. Interesting to note, it’s not for lack of resources, since California boasts the fifth-largest oil reserves in the nation.
California’s strict environmental policies
Newsom has not shied away from criticizing the oil and gas sectors, labeling them as the “polluted heart of this climate crisis” and even accusing them of misleading Californians and worsening public health issues. His goal has been to achieve a “carbon neutral” state by 2045, which he argues is necessary for transitioning to cleaner energy sources like wind and solar.
One significant aspect of Newsom’s strategy was the push for all cars sold in California to be electric by 2035. That mandate has since faced challenges, and thankfully, it was overturned earlier this year. This regulatory shift could have impacted nearly 40 million Californians, and had the potential to influence up to 13 other states contemplating similar measures.
Meanwhile, as critics question whether his presidential aspirations are compromising his governance, Newsom has launched a rapid-response website. He seems aware of the unpopularity surrounding some of his policies. Recently, during a podcast with Turning Point USA President Charlie Kirk, he acknowledged the concerns about biological men competing in women’s sports, illustrating the complexities surrounding his stance on cultural issues.
It appears that Newsom is inclined to shift blame regarding the failures of his green initiatives rather than openly confronting their negative impacts on California’s residents. In light of rising inflation, which concerns over 60% of voters, coupled with energy policies that some find burdensome, it raises questions about whether Newsom’s commitment to green policies will bear fruit or if it will ultimately undermine his national ambitions.
