Governor Newsom Targets Chevron, Blames Private Business for Gas Prices Driven by His Own Policies
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Governor Gavin Newsom urges Californians to avoid Chevron, scapegoating private enterprise for high gas prices caused by burdensome state regulations and failed energy policies.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has once again targeted private business, urging residents to avoid refueling at Chevron gas stations during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Newsom claims Chevron’s prices are 60 to 80 cents per gallon higher than unbranded alternatives, but ignores the real culprit: California’s own excessive regulations and taxes.
In a post on X, Newsom’s office argued that unbranded gasoline comes from the same refineries and meets identical state standards, suggesting consumers are overpaying for brand-name fuel. However, this ignores the fact that California’s anti-business climate and costly mandates are what drive up prices for everyone.
This advisory comes in response to Chevron’s campaign pointing out that high fuel costs are a direct result of California’s radical climate policies. Signs at Chevron stations rightly note that state politicians are prioritizing foreign oil over local jobs and lower costs, and direct customers to a webpage advocating for affordable, reliable energy—something Sacramento politicians seem determined to undermine.
Chevron spokesperson Ross Allen explained that the signage is part of a three-year-old initiative to educate consumers about the impact of state policies on fuel prices. He also clarified that most Chevron stations are independently operated and set their own prices, a fact Newsom conveniently ignores as he seeks a scapegoat for his administration’s failures.
As of Thursday, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in California was $6.14, a shocking $1.58 higher than the national average, according to the American Automobile Association. This is the predictable result of years of anti-energy, anti-business policies from Sacramento.
The ongoing conflict in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global oil supplies, but instead of working to increase domestic production and lower costs, Newsom continues to attack private companies and push regulations that make everything more expensive for Californians.
Governor Newsom has previously enacted legislation to penalize oil companies for so-called 'excessive profits' and to prevent sudden gas price spikes. But unsurprisingly, implementation has been delayed until 2030, as regulators focus on more government intervention instead of real solutions. Newsom’s approach only promises more bureaucracy and higher costs for consumers.