Newsom rejects gas-tax holiday as CA gas prices soar

California Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected calls for a temporary gas-tax suspension as pump prices hit record levels, arguing that the baseline costs haven’t changed while blaming Donald Trump for higher costs tied to Iran-related tensions. At a state Capitol hearing, economists noted that California’s gas taxes, environmental mandates and regulatory costs help push prices above the national average, even as some urged temporary relief or tax adjustments tied to crude-price spikes. Critics warn that refinery shutdowns and growing reliance on imported crude could drive prices higher, all while California pursues a 2045 energy transition.