SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A panel in the State Assembly on Thursday moved forward with Gov. Newsom’s proposal that would set new fuel storage requirements for the oil and gas industry, but several Democratic lawmakers signaled the legislation needs work.
Following a nearly four-hour long hearing to debate the issue, the Assembly’s Select Committee on Petroleum and Gasoline supply voted initially 12-2 to advance the proposal. Four Democrats abstained from the vote including Assemblymembers Corey Jackson, Blanca Rubio, Mike Gipson and Al Muratsuchi. The hearing is part of a special legislative session the governor called last month.
The proposal would specifically empower the unelected California Energy Commission to set minimum fuel storage requirements and standards for refiners in the event of unplanned maintenance or some sort of outage. Newsom’s administration has said the events coupled with low fuel supply can lead to price spikes…