Are California’s High Gas Prices the Fault of Governor Gavin Newsom?

By NATE GARTRELL On Mar 23, 2022

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference at The Unity Council on May 10, 2021 in Oakland, California. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a $100 billion economic recovery package for the state that would include a new round of $600 stimulus checks for low-income residents making up to $75,000 a year. An estimated two out of three Californians would receive the check and families with children would receive an additional $500. Newsom also announced a projected $75.7 billion budget surplus compared to last year's projected $54.3 billion shortfall. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

This morning, Kern County’s biggest influencing Republican lawmakers gathered in Rosedale to discuss oil’s complications. All had one message: ‘increase domestic oil production, especially in Kern County,’ Kget unveiled.

“Ever since Gavin Newsom has become governor…. more than 1,000 permits sit on his desk. So what does that mean? It means California since he’s been governor, has lowered production by 20%. That’s 89,000 barrels a day,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

According to the Bakersfield Congressman, Newsom has made killing the oil industry part of his platform as he transitions to renewable energy sources.

Governor Newsom reiterated during his State of the State address earlier this month that he would not allow any more drilling in California, stating that he would be “repeating the mistakes of the past.”

In a survey of more than 1,000 participants, 62 percent replied no and 38 percent replied yes to the question “Does the blame of California’s high gas prices have anything to do with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s leadership?”

“He certainly isn’t helping. His restrictions on oil production have hurt overall. But voters voted yes to continue the gas tax, which has certainly hurt. If you voted yes, you can’t complain about the higher prices in CA that average a dollar more than every other state. That’s not all on Ukraine or Biden.”Mark Armendariz, Facebook user

“No, oil companies have around 9000 permits to drill on federal land they have not used. Not sure if the number in California but I do know there is a lot of federal land with oil wells on them and Newsom has no control over the fed property.”Eddie L. Crane, Facebook user