{"id":281243,"date":"2026-04-23T01:35:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T01:35:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/281243\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T01:35:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T01:35:18","slug":"how-congress-can-cap-californias-gas-tax-and-save-you-thousands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/281243\/","title":{"rendered":"How Congress can cap California\u2019s gas tax \u2014 and save you thousands"},"content":{"rendered":"

This month, I introduced the Gas Tax Reduction Act, a bill to stop states like California from overtaxing their residents.<\/p>\n

Gas in California is not only more expensive than in every other state, but it\u2019s also, ironically, worse for the environment.<\/p>\n

We burn massive amounts of carbon shipping oil and refined petroleum products from conflict zones to California shores. We have oil right here at home, which would be far cleaner, but much of it is off limits.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A person fueling a black Porsche at a gas station. Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Two women pumping gas at a Costco gas station in Marina del Rey, California. Carlin Stiehl for CA Post<\/p>\n

\"Sen.<\/p>\n

Sen. Adam Schiff speaking at a press conference on the Iran War Powers Resolution. Getty Images<\/p>\n

There is only one reason for this outcome: failed political leadership in Sacramento. <\/p>\n

Today, California has a higher cost of living than any state in the country. Why? In part because we have the highest gas tax in the United States \u2013 61.2 cents per gallon, plus about 10 cents per gallon in sales tax, totaling roughly 71 cents per gallon.<\/p>\n

All of that money is supposed to go toward improving our infrastructure and transportation, yet California is routinely rated as having the worst roads in the country.<\/p>\n

When you pay the highest gas tax in the nation while driving over the deepest potholes, your government is broken. <\/p>\n

No state should have the authority to force its citizens to pay more than 50 cents per gallon.<\/p>\n

In fact, only five states in the country have a gas tax over 50 cents, so I believe that is a good limit. We could save Californians 21 cents per gallon.<\/p>\n

\"Senator<\/p>\n

Senator Alex Padilla speaking out against the SAVE America Act. Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A Chevron gas station sign displays high gas prices: Regular at $6.29, Plus at $6.49, and Supreme at $6.67, with the Pacific Ocean in the background. Getty Images<\/p>\n

And for that reason, my bill is simple. It conditions federal highway grants on keeping gas taxes below 50 cents per gallon.<\/p>\n

This is the same policy tool used to assure rational policy alignment on other issues, such as alcohol purchase ages and vehicle weight standards.<\/p>\n

California\u2019s gas tax contributes to the\u00a0highest fuel prices in the country\u00a0and places a disproportionate burden on working families, commuters, and small businesses, particularly those who live in rural areas and have to drive long distances.<\/p>\n

In addition to urging Congress to pass this legislation, I am also urging politicians in Sacramento to suspend the state gas tax in its entirety \u2013 as Georgia just did.<\/p>\n

With California prices approaching $6 per gallon, suspending the gas tax is the least our state\u2019s political leaders could do to provide some measure of relief.<\/p>\n

Now is the time for Congress to do the right thing and protect our hardworking citizens.<\/p>\n

This legislation is intended to encourage fiscal responsibility at the state level while ensuring that federal transportation dollars are not used to subsidize excessive taxation policies that drive up the cost of living.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s come together in a bipartisan fashion to pass this common-sense measure.<\/p>\n

Kevin Kiley, an Independent, represents California\u2019s 3rd Congressional District.<\/p>\n

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