Utilities and Energy Chair Eduardo Garcia Acts on Legislation to Protect Californians from Gasoline “Price Gouging”

(Sacramento, CA) – On Monday, March 27, the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy, chaired by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), passed SBX1-2 (Skinner) out of committee before it was successfully presented on the Assembly Floor.

This first-of-its-kind measure was introduced in response to Governor Newsom’s call for legislation to protect Californians from gasoline price gouging. Assemblymember Garcia helped lead an Assembly working group in policy discussions and negotiations along with Assemblymembers Irwin, Ting, and Lee. Assemblymember Garcia has released the following statement regarding the Assembly’s passage of SBX1-2:

“Our constituents have suffered at the pump for far too long and we are taking action to protect their lives and well-being. High gasoline prices place an undue financial burden on Californians amid tough economic times. As Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, we’ve seen high prices for energy across the board – from high natural gas bills this winter, to high gasoline prices last summer, to consistently high electricity rates. Something has got to give. With the passage of SBX1-2 today, we have taken a step forward to ensuring greater transparency into the oil and gasoline market, and to provide the state with the necessary tools to hold oil companies accountable for the high prices at the pump. This measure could not come soon enough, and I am proud to have been a part of the negotiations to shape it to where it is today.”