SACRAMENTO – State Sen. John Laird made the following statement today as a member of the Senate Special Committee on Fuel Supply and Price Spikes, created through the Second Extraordinary Session:
“I am a life-long environmentalist, and an early supporter of both restrictions on off-shore oil exploration and climate change mitigation laws. I am also very aware that most of us in California are one way or another hurt by wild spikes in gas prices. My Senate district has few densely populated areas, requiring that most people use cars to go about their daily business, so high gas prices hit all of us.
Being a staunch environmentalist, I am also deeply concerned when it appears oil refiners and gasoline suppliers are unfairly profiting off of fuel blends that have slightly less impact on the environment. Until we can - in a cost efficient manner - electrify our transportation systems utilizing renewable energy, we must still rely on gasoline. In the meantime, drivers must never be gouged at the pumps.
I hope the work we do during this Senate Extraordinary Session will bring a workable balance of protecting consumers and the environment, be cognizant of worker safety, and ensure there is not unfair profit-taking on the back of California’s drivers.”
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Senator John Laird represents the 17th State Senate District, which includes all of Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties, the majority of Monterey County, as well as parts of Santa Clara County. More information on Senator Laird can be found here.