Calif. governor blames oil companies for gas prices, but his own energy czar disagrees

August 13, 2024

The Center Square) – California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a video blaming oil companies’ “greed” and “price gouging” for the state’s gas prices, which, at an average of $4.60 per gallon, are $1.16 above the national average. Newsom’s own energy commissioner, however, disagrees, noting in May testimony that no “price gouging” has been found and that “increasing supply in the market” would best “protect consumers.”

Kern County, CA – March 23: LADWPs Pine Tree Wind Farm and Solar Power Plant in the Tehachapi Mountains Tehachapi Mountains on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 in Kern County, CA.(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)