SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> California drivers will soon pay even more to fill up their tanks as the state’s gas tax increases again on Wednesday July 1, 2016.
The excise tax Senate Bill 1 (SB1) on gasoline will rise by 2.2 cents, bringing California’s gas tax to 63.4 cents per gallon. The increase applies only to the state’s excise tax and is separate from federal taxes and sales taxes already included in the price drivers pay at the pump.
As of Sunday, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline the statewide average is $5.46, according to AAA. Although prices have fallen roughly 50 cents over the past month, California continues to have some of the highest gas prices in the country.
For many drivers, another increase comes at a time when everyday expenses continue to strain household budgets.
The annual adjustment stems from legislation approved by the California Legislature in 2017, which ties the state’s fuel tax to inflation. The revenue is used to fund highway maintenance, road repairs and transportation infrastructure projects across California.
At the same time, state officials face another challenge: gas tax revenue is expected to decline over time as more Californians switch to electric vehicles.
According to the California Energy Commission, zero-emission vehicles accounted for nearly 23% of new vehicle sales in the state. Still, state data shows the vast majority of registered vehicles in California continue to run on gasoline.
If history has taught us in California, keep voting for the same more taxes on top of taxes. Wake up California and vote different this year and for the next governor.
As California continues to lead the nation with the highest average gas prices.
The Pain In The Pass Traffic Group encourages drivers to plan ahead, drive slower, and consider gas apps or rewards programs to help save $ at the pump.
There are more ways to follow the Pain In The Pass. Join the Traffic Group on Facebook with over 172,000 members. Join the group on MeWe. Like us on the on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram, and also follow us on Threads, and X aka Twitter.
