SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Statewide gas prices have plateaued, and California's winter blend gasoline is being churned out at refineries. Experts say, within weeks, consumers could see the numbers drop to pre-spike prices per gallon. But one organization says, there's more the state can do than just call for the early shipment and usage of the winter-blend gas.
According to the California Independent Oil Marketers Association (COIMA), the organization that requested Governor Brown issue the winter blend, California consumers will continue to be subjected to severe and frequent price spikes at the pump.
Under the state's Global Warming Act, new regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions will add billions of dollars to the cost of essential consumer goods, on top of high pump price, according to COIMA.
While prices at the pump have been painful, COIMA says this could be an opportunity for the governor to extend hisleadership even further than his recent directive.
"First of all, asking for a time out on the carbon related fuel requirements and secondly taking a real good look at what the problems are with this fuel policy that we have and understanding bettern and in detail what might happen and we could solve that, " said Jay McKeeman, California Independent Oil Marketers Association Vice President of Government and Communications.
As a result of Tuesday's announcement the central crude oil refining unit at its Richmond refinery will remain closed for the rest of the year, Senator Mark Leno from San Francisco is calling for a legislative look into California's oil refineries.
The special hearing, held by the Senate Select Committee on Bay Area Transportation which Senator Leno chairs, will look into the safety and reliability of California's gasoline production system and its impact on gas prices and the economy.
The meeting is expected to take place in November.
