SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a special session to approve new restrictions on oil refineries. But some of the Democrat supermajority is pushing back against that idea, leaving the question of whether or when the special session will happen.
“I believe when the governor issues a proclamation, it is our constitutional obligation to get that work done,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister
Speaker Rivas says he is in favor of vetting the bills fully instead of passing them within a few days.
Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire wanted the bills discussed during the regular legislative session.
“The Senate Democratic Caucus is 100% united we are not going to come back for a special session,” said McGuire. “For weeks we have had the votes. For weeks we have been calling for a vote. For weeks we have had consensus in our Caucus to provide Californians the relief they need immediately.”
Newsom called for a special session Saturday after the Assembly pushed back on his efforts to jam through the energy package before the Saturday deadline.
The proposed regulation would regulate refinery maintenance, and make sure they have a backfill when refineries go down to avoid a price hike.
The Western States Petroleum Association said the bill would punish refiners into withholding supplies and hurting consumers.
“Governor Newsom’s refinery supply mandate will create artificial shortages of fuel in California, Arizona, and Nevada by forcing refiners to withhold fuels from the market. Lawmakers who vote for this mandate will be voting to increase gas costs for their constituents,” said Catherine Reheis-Boyd, CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association.
The Assembly briefly opened the Special session Saturday, and the Senate refused to before leaving the Capitol.
“This is a test of will, so to speak between two of our three branches of government,” said Chris Micheli, veteran lobbyist.
Micheli adds both houses are needed to pass any laws.
“Perhaps they do agree to hold the special session,” said Micheli.
It has been mentioned that the governor could try to take the Senate to court, but Micheli says that could be difficult because it involves separation of power.
“In Article 3B, there is no enforcement mechanism set forth there,” said Micheli. “The language says ‘May,’ in other words, it appears to provide some discretion again as to when and how the legislature will convene that proclaimed special session.”
Micheli says time is ticking as the November election is inching closer and the governor must go through several hundred bills on his desk, which he must decide on by September 30.
McGuire says he will continue to have conversations with the governor and the assembly speaker.
Watch more on ABC10 | Gov. Newsom calls special session on gas prices
