California Fuel Affordability & Transition Act
Lower gas prices now. Cheaper clean energy ahead. No one gets left on the side of the road.
Californians pay some of the highest gas prices in America — often more than $2 per gallon above the national average. The oil industry blames taxes and regulations. But the California Energy Commission found a "mystery surcharge" adding billions in unexplained costs every year. This act does what Sacramento won't: forces refiners to open their books, creates a state fuel reserve to stop price spikes, puts cash back in low-income families' pockets, and builds an electric vehicle transition that doesn't leave working people behind.
You Shouldn't Have to Choose Between Gas and Groceries
California's clean energy future is real — but so is next week's commute. Millions of families still need gas to get to work, pick up their kids, and keep their lives moving. This act treats both realities as equally urgent. It attacks the "mystery surcharge" by forcing refiners to report margins. It builds a strategic gasoline reserve to stop panic pricing. It puts up to $700 back in low-income families' pockets. And it makes electric vehicles affordable at the point of sale — not years from now, but starting in 2027.
Gas Price Transparency & Anti-Gouging Protections
The oil companies know exactly why your gas costs so much — they just won't tell you
Fewer than ten refineries supply most of California's gasoline. They've been charging a "mystery surcharge" that adds billions to what Californians pay — and nobody can explain it because nobody can see their numbers. This act ends that. It requires refiners to report weekly on gross refining margins, inventory levels, utilization rates, and production volumes. They must give 90 days' notice before planned maintenance that cuts production, and 24 hours' notice for unplanned outages. If gas prices spike more than 20% above the regional average for seven or more days, the California Energy Commission must investigate and publish findings. And during declared emergencies, any retailer who jacks prices more than 10% above pre-emergency levels without justification faces $10,000 per day per location in civil penalties.
California Strategic Gasoline Reserve
When one refinery goes down, prices skyrocket overnight — a state reserve stops the panic
California's gas market is fragile. When a single refinery has an unplanned outage, prices spike because there's no backup supply. This act creates a 15-million-gallon strategic gasoline reserve — California-spec reformulated fuel stored at sites across Northern and Southern California, away from the same earthquake and flood risks that threaten refineries. When the Energy Commission declares a supply emergency, reserve fuel gets released through competitive bidding to licensed distributors, with priority for emergency services, public transit, and healthcare. The fuel is sold at cost plus storage — not at panic prices. The reserve pays for itself: $100 million initial investment from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, with ongoing operations funded by the existing Petroleum Industry Fee and revolving sales proceeds. Fuel rotates annually to stay fresh.
Refundable Gas Tax Credit for Low-Income Families
If you can't afford an electric car yet, you shouldn't be punished for driving to work
Low-income families spend a far bigger share of their income on gas — and they're the least able to switch to electric vehicles. This act creates a fully refundable gas tax credit that puts real money back in their pockets. Households earning below 200% of the federal poverty level get a full refund of their estimated state gas tax — up to $700 per year. Households between 200% and 300% FPL get 50% back — up to $350. Rural families get a 25% boost because they drive farther. The credit is refundable — meaning even if you don't owe taxes, you still get the cash. Non-filers can apply directly through a simplified process. Community organizations help with outreach. Funded at $200 million per year from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
Electric Vehicle Accessibility Program
Electric vehicles shouldn't be luxury goods — this makes them affordable at the dealership counter
The clean energy future only works if working families can actually afford to get there. This act creates point-of-sale EV rebates — the discount happens when you buy the car, not months later through a bureaucratic reimbursement. Low-income families (under 300% FPL) get up to $7,500 for a new EV or $4,000 for a used EV. Middle-income families (300–400% FPL) get $5,000 new / $2,500 used. No vehicle over $60,000 qualifies — this isn't a Tesla subsidy. At least 70% of funds go to low-income buyers and 25% to used vehicles. The act also requires new multifamily buildings to be EV-ready (20% of parking spaces wired) and creates retrofit grants — up to $50,000 per property — to add charging to existing apartments, with priority for disadvantaged communities.
Agricultural & Emergency Diesel Fuel Relief
Farmers can't harvest with electric tractors yet — they need relief until the technology catches up
California's farms, food trucks, and fire engines all run on diesel — and there's no zero-emission replacement ready for most of them yet. This act provides a 50% excise tax exemption on diesel for three essential categories: agricultural operations (tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps, on-farm processing), food transportation (Class A/B commercial vehicles hauling food for human consumption), and emergency services (fire engines, ambulances, search and rescue). Farmers get an exemption card at the pump or can apply for refunds. The exemption sunsets December 31, 2030 — aligned with California's clean truck and equipment transition timelines. By 2029, the state must report on whether zero-emission alternatives are actually available and affordable before deciding whether to extend or end the exemption.
Every Bill Meets These Standards
Drafted with constitutional analysis, dedicated funding sources, spending caps, sunset provisions, and biennial legislative reporting. Not promises — legislation.