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California Lawmakers, Including Jasmeet Bains, Criticize CARB Chair Randolph Amid $8 Gas Prices and Refinery Closures; Newsom Responds

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Updated May 31, 2025, 05:23 PM

California is facing criticism over its clean air and environmental policies, which have been linked to rising gasoline prices and potential fuel shortages. State regulators, including the California Air Resources Board (CARB), acknowledged they do not analyze how these policies impact costs for drivers and consumers. This admission has drawn ire from lawmakers, including Democratic Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, who has called for the resignation of CARB Chair Liane Randolph, citing a lack of leadership sensitive to Californians' economic struggles. Governor Gavin Newsom's office has condemned Bains' call, accusing her of aligning with polluters ahead of a congressional run.

The debate intensifies amid the impending closure of two major oil refineries, representing about 20% of the state's refining capacity, which is attributed to stringent environmental regulations. Critics argue that California Democrats' policies have contributed to the state having the highest gasoline prices in the nation, with prices reaching around $8 per gallon. The confirmation of Nancy Skinner to the California Energy Commission has also been highlighted in discussions about rising energy costs. Additionally, there is skepticism about claims that renewable energy sources like wind and solar have reduced energy prices, with some pointing to increased electricity costs as evidence. Overall, the controversy underscores tensions within California's political landscape regarding energy policy, environmental goals, and economic impacts on consumers.

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#California #California Air Resources Board #CARB #Democratic #Jasmeet Bains #Liane Randolph #Californians #Gavin Newsom #Bains #California Democrats #Nancy Skinner #California Energy Commission

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Sources

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Watts Up With That

@wattsupwiththat

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 California Democrats are now outraged over a looming gas price crisis, but their own stringent energy policies played a major role in

Mike Netter

@nettermike

Senate Confirms Nancy Skinner to California Energy Commission Despite Legislative Record Creating High Energy Costs – California Globe from ⁦@KATYSaccitizen⁩

Mike Netter

@nettermike

California's insane regulations on the oil and gas industry are leading to $8 gas. The state is poised to lose two major oil refineries within the next year, accounting for approximately 20% of its refining capacity. These closures are a direct result of stringent environmental