Republican Senator Tony Strickland from California has put forth an urgent proposal aimed at significantly reducing gas taxes, claiming it could save drivers over $1 per gallon. Surprisingly, some Democrats have also shown support.
Strickland’s bill suggests that by temporarily suspending four different taxes and fees—including those linked to California’s green energy initiatives—drivers could save at least $1.08 per gallon.
“We’ve been hearing from families throughout the state, feeling squeezed by high gas prices and rising grocery bills,” Strickland said in a statement to the California Post.
“My proposition is straightforward: pause the gas tax and bring the price down by $1.08,” he clarified.
“This is a temporary fix for a long-term challenge that Californians face, offering much-needed relief.”
This proposal appears at a time when even some progressive gubernatorial candidates, like San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, are advocating for a gas tax pause or deregulation as prices climb to $5.54 a gallon, according to the American Automobile Association.
Strickland’s legislation, which is set for a Senate Environmental Quality Committee review soon, aims to suspend state and local taxes, eliminate the state excise tax, and put a halt to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and cap-and-trade fees.
These charges made up about 26% of gas prices in December 2025, as outlined by the California Energy Commission.
Using the tax and fee structures highlighted in the state’s December report, gas prices could potentially decrease by as much as $1.44 under Strickland’s plan.
The senator’s office assures that the bill would still fund road and infrastructure projects and includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately for one year if approved by both houses of Congress and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Newsom opted not to comment on Strickland’s initiative or the Democrats’ calls to suspend the fuel tax. However, officials within his office are skeptical, believing there’s no proof that dropping the gas tax would lead to lower prices.
In a related note, Newsom placed some blame for rising gas prices on former President Trump’s actions concerning Iran, while challenging efforts to resume offshore drilling off California’s coast.
“Trump was aware that his actions would spike gas prices,” Newsom remarked. “He’s attempting to illegally revive a pipeline that the courts shut down, facing potential criminal charges.”
He added, “We refuse to let Trump compromise the well-being of Californians, our environment, and our thriving $51 billion coastal economy.”
That said, not every Democrat is on the same page as Newsom regarding maintaining the state’s high gas tax during this crisis.
Mahan has pushed to eliminate the state excise tax, which is roughly 15% of what drivers pay per gallon.
His campaign consultant Eric Jay stated, “Mahan believes the governor and the Legislature should take action to alleviate the pain felt by drivers due to an unwarranted war.”
Villaraigosa, too, has called for an “immediate freeze” on costly regulations that have led to the shutdown of California refineries and emphasized the heavy burden that high prices impose on working families.
“These flawed policies not only impact millions but also harm the environment by increasing California’s dependency on foreign oil from the Middle East,” Villaraigosa stated.
The California Air Resources Board seems prepared to reject any attempts to lower gas taxes or rates. Spokeswoman Lindsey Buckley noted that the state’s cap-and-trade system has produced $34 billion in climate investment through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and helped meet climate goals ahead of the 2020 deadline.
“The advantages of the program far exceed the costs, resulting in significant climate investment and job creation,” Buckley explained in an email.
For now, Strickland intends to press ahead with his gas tax suspension bill while pursuing a more permanent solution.
“This is merely a short pause for Californians, but we need the Legislature to collaborate with the governor on long-term strategies,” Strickland stated.
“That’s why I will continue urging the governor to call a special legislative session to reevaluate the state’s oil policy.”
