Source: The Signal
Date: 04/04/2026 9:57am

Article Summary:
**Suzette Martinez Valladares: California Energy Policies Are Driving High Gas Prices and Hurting Working Families**
State Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares argues that California’s high gas prices — nearly $2 above the national average — stem from state policies that have reduced in-state oil production and refining capacity while increasing reliance on foreign imports. She criticizes climate regulations and the cap-and-invest program for driving up costs and calls for suspending the state gas tax, stabilizing local energy production, and increasing transparency around regulatory impacts. Valladares urges a more balanced energy strategy that protects both the environment and working families from rising fuel costs.

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