Assembly Democrats are now trying a new technique to combat California's high gas prices ahead of the July 1st state gas tax increase. Southern California's Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon is forming the Select Committee on Gasoline Supply and Pricing set to investigate what they are calling "gas-price gouging." Rendon says two main factors will be investigated in the committee: why the prices are so high and what can be done to stop it.
Rendon has appointed Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin to lead the committee. Robert Herrell of the Consumer Federation of California says the committee will work to locate and regulate the fuel market impacting the state and will aim to identify and cut back on the mystery 30 cent surcharge. The committee hopes to come to a conclusion that will align with the agenda laid out by Governor Gavin Newsom. Rendon says their first meeting will be held in coming weeks. This while some lawmakers have sent letters asking lawmakers and Governor Newsom to postpone the gas tax increase, Rendon says a 3-way agreement on inflation relief would be ideal.
But state Republicans are not pleased with the attempt. Last week, they gathered on the steps of the Capital to call attention to the fact it's been 100 days since Governor Newsom promised relief with no action taken by Democrats.