California’s gas prices are the third highest in the nation, hovering around the $3.00 per gallon mark at the end of October. The average price of gas over the past three weeks for all 50 states was closer to $2.60 per gallon. So why are gas prices so much higher in California?
To begin with, California charges the highest gasoline taxes in the nation. California even collects a tax on a tax by charging sales taxes on the state and federal excise tax!
In California, taxes on fuel account for roughly 65 cents per gallon, which includes the state sales tax rate of 8.25%, plus 1.2 cents per gallon for Underground Storage Tank (UST) fees, plus additional local sales taxes where applicable. In Sacramento County, sales taxes are 8.75%.
We also pay more in California because of stringent environmental laws dictating that we use reformulated gasoline, which can only be supplied by a limited number of refineries. So when one of them shuts down, as the Tesoro refinery in Los Angeles did earlier this year due to a fire, the supply is reduced enough that prices inevitably rise.
With our state’s unemployment rate over 12% (and far beyond that in many counties), and the economy still a long way from being robust, these soaring gas prices put an undue burden on the people of California who are struggling to make ends meet.
Now more than ever we should be taking advantage of our own natural oil reserves, like the huge oil and gas deposits sitting 5 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara. The Tranquillon Ridge Project has bi-partisan support, and the support of the local government officials and environmental groups. It would bring in $100 million in royalties to the state immediately upon approval, and up to $4 billion in revenues to the state over the next 14 years, as well as help end our dependence on foreign oil.
With some of the highest gas prices in the nation, and the economy still struggling, California lawmakers need to stop raising our taxes, and start taking advantage of our own natural resources and potential revenue sources. Just food for thought, for the next time you’re filling up your tank.
Veterans Day Events and Resources
Los Angeles County
Antelope Valley:
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Mobile Vietnam Veterans Memorial for the Antelope Valley at Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, Palmdale. Invited guests, families of Vietnam fallen on The AV Wall, Vietnam Veterans & their families. Opening ceremony: Friday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. Closing Ceremony: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 at 11a.m.
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Lancaster Cemetery will honor the Purple Heart Hometown Heroes on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. Located at 111 E. Lancaster Blvd. 661.942.6110.
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Desert Lawn Memorial will honor military veterans on Nov. 11 at 11a.m. Located at 2200 East Avenue S, Palmdale. (661) 947-7177.
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Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster has an event on Nov. 11 at 11a.m. Located at 808 East Lancaster Blvd. (661) 942.8125.
Santa Clarita Valley:
- Santa Clarita will hold Veteran’s Day Services at the Veterans Historical Plaza in Newhall on Nov.11 at 11 a.m. Planning the event are the Blue Star Mothers of Canyon Country Chapter 82 and Blue Star Mothers of Santa Clarita Valley Chapter 91, Santa Clarita Prayer Angels for the Military, Santa Clarita Historical Veterans Memorial Committee, and the National Society of Daughters of American Revolution of Santa Clarita
San Fernando Valley:
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Granada Hills Veterans Holiday Cut-a-Thon. Monday Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Robyn Michael Salon, 18523 Devonshire St. Northridge. All proceeds go directly to the Veterans Holiday Celebration.
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Veterans Day Parade in Sunland Tujunga on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
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Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Sylmar on Nov. 11 at 10:00 a.m.
San Bernardino County
Victor Valley:
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Support Our Troops holiday drive. For more information, click here, or call (909) 387-5516 or toll-free at (866) 4SB-VETS.
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Veterans Day Ceremony – Nov. 11 at Hesperia Lake Park, 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road (War Memorial Dedication Site) 11a.m.
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Holiday Veterans Tribute: SCLA, Victorville, Dec. 12 from noon to 2 p.m., FREE LUNCH to Veterans and one guest, RSVP required (760) 951-8003.
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Victorville Veterans Parade on Nov. 7 on 7th street, Victorville (from Tracy to Forest) 9 a.m. (760) 955-3400.
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The Elk's present Veteran of the Year, Nov. 11, 2009 at Elk's Lodge in Victorville.
