California gas prices saw an increase on Tuesday, attributed to the state’s Democratic policies and new regulations. These green energy initiatives have led to the closure of refineries, further driving up gas prices that could rise significantly in the near future.

The state is facing what some describe as a potential gas crisis, largely resulting from these environmental policies. Major refineries are poised to shut down over the next few years, partly due to strict regulations established by Democratic leadership. California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) program has started affecting prices, which could lead to further hardships for consumers at the pump.

Brian Jones, a Republican senator, expressed concerns on this issue. He stated, “Not all Californians are billionaires like our governor. These regulations are a burden on the average Californian and are completely out of hand.” He mentioned he is also grappling with rising fuel costs and is working to eliminate restrictions that contribute to the issue.

Before the Independence Day weekend, gas prices across the U.S. were actually dropping for the first time in years. Yet, California’s average reached about $4.57 per gallon, significantly higher than the national average. Recently implemented LCFS adjustments have contributed to this uptick in pricing.

Governor Gavin Newsom has set ambitious goals for California, including achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, which involves various green energy initiatives, including a push for electric vehicles (EVs). There were even plans to ban new gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035, although a Congressional resolution under President Trump temporarily blocked this effort.

Jones has raised suspicions that the rising gas prices could be part of a deliberate strategy to push consumers away from traditional vehicles. He mentioned that a records request regarding communications between Governor Newsom and the California Air Resources Board remains unaddressed. He is keen on ensuring that the economic implications of these policies are scrutinized properly.

California is known for having the highest gasoline taxes and cap-and-trade programs tied to its high energy prices. The combination of these regulations and the possible closure of more refineries could see fuel prices soar to $8 per gallon in 2026, according to studies.

Critics are calling for increased state control over refinery operations to address rising gas prices, while Jones argues that reliance on renewable energy technologies poses challenges. He suggests that existing infrastructure for EVs is insufficient for the state’s current energy demands.

“It’s crucial to raise awareness about who is responsible for these policies,” Jones said, emphasizing the urgency in addressing the issue. He pointed out that California imports a considerable amount of oil despite its potential resources. It’s a situation he describes as nonsensical, suggesting that more oil could be extracted locally instead of relying heavily on imports.

Jones also mentioned a petition with over 40,000 signatures aimed at undoing recent regulatory changes. He believes that more Californians are waking up to the reality of how these policies are driving up gas prices, largely stemming from decisions made by the governing majority.

The California Air Resources Board did not respond to requests for comments regarding these ongoing issues.