California gas tax increase pushes pump prices higher

California drivers are facing higher fuel costs as a new 2.2centpergallon gas tax increase took effect Wednesday, according to the article. Republican members of Congress from California are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to suspend the hike, arguing that residents are already paying some of the highest prices in the country. The lawmakers cited AAA data showing California gas prices averaging $5.58 per gallon, about $1.65 above the national average. They said the tax and related fees add to the burden on drivers, while Newsom’s office argued that repealing the tax would threaten funding for road repairs and other transportation projects. The article also notes broader energy market pressures in California, including refinery closures and heavy reliance on imported crude oil. Republicans say these factors, along with state climate policies, have contributed to higher prices at the pump.