New Gas Tax Pushes Pump Prices Higher

California’s new gas tax came into effect November 1st, and one month later, as expected, the price of a gallon has climbed 12 cents.

According to AAA’s gas price index Orange County’s motorists are today paying $3.16 cash price per gallon of regular compared to $3.04 this time last month.

Along the Katella corridor though, from Disney to the 605, a survey of gas stations shows an average cash price of $3.09.

The gas tax law, Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, is designed to funnel $52 billion into the state’s infrastructure budget over the next 10 years, with the goal of bringing at least 98% of all roads and culverts in the state up to good condition, plus fixing at least 500 bridges that are currently in need of repair.

That’s little comfort for Brett, 51, a Stanton resident filling his work truck at the G&M gas station on Katella and Western :

“It’s garbage. It’s going to cost me an extra $5-$10 per week”, noting that as this was a state tax raise federal mileage rates won’t be increased to accommodate it.

“It makes it real difficult for small business”, he said.

Victor, 27, from Arcadia, fueling his hybrid at the Costco on Holder was more sanguine :

“It’s a dollar a week. It’s not even a Big Mac. We need to fix the roads.”

Voters will have the chance to weigh in on the increase next year. In June they’ll vote on an amendment to the state’s constitution designed to prevent lawmakers syphoning those funds for any other use.

The June election may also feature a recall vote for local state senator Josh Newman (D-CA29). The recall petition, organized by San Diego talk-radio host Carl DeMaio in response to Newman’s support for SB1, is expected to be certified by the Secretary of State next month.

For local motorists the lowest current area gas price can be found at the Alliance station on Cerritos and Western, where a gallon of regular has a cash price of $2.79. For club members, Costco’s credit price is also $2.79. The statewide average is $3.18. The state record, $4.67, was recorded in October, 2012.