Pull into a gas station these days and look at the numbers. They’re climbing again.
And if you think this is just California’s problem, I’ve got bad news.
Nevada gets most of its gasoline from California refineries. When California politicians mess up energy policy, Nevada drivers end up paying for it.
Right now the damage is obvious.
According to AAA, the average price of gasoline in California just hit $5.33 a gallon. The national average is $3.57.
That is almost two extra dollars every time you fill up.
For a working family with two cars, that adds up fast.
Even California Lawmakers Are Panicking
Now here’s the interesting part.
Some California politicians are finally admitting they went too far.
Republican State Sen. Tony Strickland just introduced Senate Bill 1035, which would suspend California’s gas tax for one year.
Why?
Because people are getting crushed.
“We’re in a time right now where people are living paycheck to paycheck,” Strickland told The Center Square.
“Hard-working families can’t afford these high gas prices.”
His plan would temporarily suspend several state fuel rules, including California’s gas tax and environmental fuel mandates.
If that happened, Strickland says drivers could see gas prices drop by at least $1.08 per gallon.
Think about that.
One decision in Sacramento could instantly save families real money.
That tells you something important.
The high prices aren’t just about world events. A big part of the problem is government policy.
Families Are Already Changing Their Lives
California drivers are already feeling the squeeze.
One commuter told KCRA3 that paying for gas now feels like losing “your arm and my leg.”
Others say they’re driving less. Some are switching to public transit. Some are simply staying home.
And the situation may get worse.
California recently lost 20 percent of its refinery capacity after two refineries shut down.
Some lawmakers are warning California gas prices could climb toward $10 a gallon if supplies tighten.
Ten dollars.
Imagine what that would do to the cost of groceries, deliveries, and everyday life.
Why Nevada Drivers Should Be Paying Attention
Here’s the part most people don’t realize.
Nevada depends heavily on California for gasoline.
That means when Sacramento piles on regulations, taxes, and refinery restrictions, Nevada drivers feel it too.
Energy policy does not stop at the state line.
And California already has the most expensive gas in America.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, that’s largely because of state taxes, environmental rules, and special fuel requirements.
Those decisions ripple across the West. Including Nevada.
Lombardo Tried to Fix This
This is exactly why Nevada should be talking about gas taxes right now.
Governor Joe Lombardo tried to cut Nevada’s gas tax during his first legislative session. It would have given drivers real relief.
But Democratic lawmakers in Carson City refused to even consider the proposal.
They didn’t debate it. They didn’t vote on it. They simply shut the door.
Meanwhile, Nevada families keep paying more every time they pull up to the pump.
Gas isn’t a luxury.
It’s how people get to work. Take kids to school. Drive to doctor appointments.
When government policies push gas prices higher, everything else gets more expensive too.
Groceries. Shipping. Small business costs.
That’s why Nevada should be seriously discussing gas tax relief, just like lawmakers in California are now trying to do.
As a candidate for Nevada State Senate District 8, I’ll be pushing for that conversation.
Because the job of government is not to make life harder.
And right now, every Nevada driver pulling up to a gas pump knows something needs to change.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
