State lawmakers criticized California’s environmental and energy agency directors during a legislative hearing May 28, with some saying oil industry regulations imposed by the agencies are causing refineries to close and gas prices to rise.
“We have a crisis on our hands that may have been self-created by the actions that perhaps have been taken by the state—by regulators,” said Assemblyman David Alvarez (D-San Diego) during the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee hearing. “And I think it’s important that we take the time today to understand what those are.”
Gas prices in California hit an average of $4.78 a gallon as of May 31, according to the American Automobile Association, well above the national average of $3.15, and are expected to rise even more after two major gasoline producers leave the state….