Environment

California has a summer blend of gasoline in order for cars to run more efficiently and cleaner in the warmer months. This year, refiners used their market power to raise prices after the switch took place in Los Angeles. The blend is marginally more expensive to make, but not by anywhere near what LA refiners are charging their gas stations for the new blend: 37 cents more.

A year ago, Exxon's Torrance refinery suffered an explosion that brought the refinery's gasoline production to a halt. Since then, Californians have been on a gas price roller-coaster, paying the highest costs in the nation while the industry claims they are scrambling for gasoline.

While Governor Jerry Brown vetoed Senate pro Tem Kevin de León’s signature legislation a year ago to revamp the Department of Toxics Substances Control (DTSC), he approved funds for an Independent Review Panel to advise what to do with the profoundly dysfunctional agency. In vetoing the powerful legislation, Brown signaled that he wants business as usual.