Central OC Times

SACRAMENTO (September 4, 2024) – Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) issued a statement addressing the Governor's recent call for a Special Session to investigate high gas prices.

“On Saturday, the Governor called for a Special Session to look into why gas prices are so high. It is remarkable that he and his Democratic colleagues continue to plague California with bad policies that overregulate and overtax industries such as oil and gas, and then are surprised when gas prices continue to rise," Dixon stated. "One only needs to look at government-controlled economies to see the folly of this system. We do not need another Special Session to bully the oil industry and potentially lead them to close shop, which would impact their more than 100,000 employees statewide. Our priority should be affordability for all Californians."

Dixon highlighted her previous legislative efforts aimed at addressing gas price issues. “My first year in the Legislature, I introduced Assembly Bill 16, which would have provided the Governor the opportunity to suspend the annual gas tax increase. This bill was never set for a hearing. Affordability is not a legislative priority.”

She also referenced Assembly Bill 2912, known as the GAS PRICES ACT, introduced in response to policies from last year's Special Session on gas prices. “This bill would have provided more transparency and accountability about California gas prices," she noted. "This bill was also never set for a hearing."

Dixon expressed concern over new legislation targeting major oil companies: “Now that the Special Session is officially convened, Assemblymembers can introduce bills. Yesterday, ABX2-1 was introduced in an attempt to go after 'Big Oil.' Unfortunately, as we have seen from past years, legislation like this will limit supply and impact Californian’s pocketbooks with higher prices.”

She concluded by urging her colleagues to pass reasonable legislation during this Special Session: “I am calling on my colleagues to pass reasonable legislation during this Special Session that will not lead to an increase in gas prices in California, as well as neighboring states. Californians are already suffering from the highest gas prices in the country. Bills like ABX2-1 will only make it worse.”