New research reveals that gas prices are significantly higher in Democrat-controlled states than in Republican states. Specifically, the researchers look at gas price increases between 2021 and 2026. In their analysis, prices rose in red states by 62 cents per gallon versus 86 cents per gallon in blue states.
West Coast Premium
Excluding California, Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon, that 24-cent gap fell to just 9 cents between red and blue states. The results led the researchers to conclude that the faster blue state increase is mostly a West Coast story, not necessarily a uniform blue versus red phenomenon. Before 2022, this West Coast premium, after factoring in taxes, was due to strict California refining regulations and federal refining rules, adding about 20 to 44 cents per gallon to the cost of gas.
Yet between 2022 and 2026, the West Coast premium effect ballooned from 67 cents in 2022 to $0.91 per gallon in 2026. Researchers first point out the carbon tax in Washington state, called the Climate Commitment Act, and the carbon fuel standard as the main drivers of the rapid increase in prices, driving gas prices up by $0.41 to $0.48 per gallon. They also point to California cap and trade allowances and Oregon Clean Fuels Program as contributing to the price of gas.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
