BAKERSFIELD, CA – State Senator Melissa Hurtado (D) voted against ABX2-1 (Hart), a special session legislative item targeting oil refineries with mandates and regulations that may adversely affect the price of energy Californians are paying to fuel their vehicles.

“I’m committed to tackling price gouging and unafraid to take a tough stand against industry pressure, which is why I voted to support SBX 1-2. However, this proposal does not align with that commitment. I have serious concerns about the costs to consumers, and I hope I am wrong,” said Senator Melissa Hurtado. “Frankly, I am angry and tired of the constant price gouging disguised as relief. How can I not be angry when my own family is harmed because of these types of policies? Our duty is to uphold a free and fair market—not rig it in favor of a select few. Only by doing this can our communities truly thrive and become safer. Anything less only fuels corruption and threatens our freedoms.”

On August 31, Governor Newsom called a Special Session to consider and enact legislation to expand the authority of the California Energy Commission and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight (DPMO) over oil refinery reserves and operations. On October 7, 2024, the Senate Special Committee on Fuel Supply and Price Spikes convened, heard and passed ABX2-1 (Hart).

Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties. Website of Senator Melissa Hurtado https://sd16.senate.ca.gov/

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