California motorists are set to pay even more at the pump as another gas tax increase takes effect, prompting some of the state’s Republican lawmakers to warn that added costs will further squeeze residents already shouldering some of the highest fuel prices in the nation.

Gas Tax Increase

California’s GOP congressional delegation, led by Rep. David Valadao, is urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to suspend the planned 2.2-cent-per-gallon hike, which would raise the state’s excise gas tax to 63.4 cents per gallon. The lawmakers say that figure doesn’t include the state’s sales tax and other local fees, bringing the total surcharge burden to about $1.15 per gallon at California pumps.

The average price of gasoline in California is currently $5.58 per gallon—the highest in the nation and $1.65 above the national average. Of the average $5.58 price per gallon, about $4.43 reflects the cost of gasoline, with the rest going toward taxes and fees.

Republican Response

California GOP Reps. James Gallagher, Tom McClintock, Vince Fong, Jay Obernolte, Young Kim, Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, and Kevin Kiley also signed the letter. Valadao has repeatedly urged Newsom to suspend California’s gasoline excise tax increases in recent years, which are indexed to inflation and rise annually.

Newsom has balked at scrapping the fuel tax hikes, arguing a temporary gas tax holiday or repeal effort would jeopardize the state’s road repair programs, and he blamed President Donald Trump’s war against Iran for sending fuel prices higher.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.