Governor Newsom's Office Under Fire After Attacking USC Professor on Gas Price Projections

Last week, USC Professor Michael Mische warned that California could face a 75% increase in gas prices due to the pending closure of two key refineries. In his report, he found that the state could be facing a gas deficit of 6.6 million to 13.1 million gallons a day if the refineries close.

The Professor's Warning: A 75% Increase in Gas Prices

California can ill afford the loss of one refinery, let alone two," said Mische. "Multiple models indicate that the shutdown of the two California-based refineries could possibly place the Golden State in a precarious economic situation and create a gasoline deficit potentially ranging from 6.6 million to 13.1 million gallons a day."

The estimated average consumer price of regular gasoline could potentially increase by as much as 75% from the April 23, 2025, price of $4.816 to $7.348 to $8.435 a gallon by calendar year end 2026. We can expect retail prices to be even higher in counties such as Mono and Humboldt," Mische warned.

The Governor's Response: Attacking the Professor

The Newsom administration responded quickly, claiming that Mische was being paid by Saudi Arabia and that he was mainly guessing. "Apparently, all it takes to make headlines these days is publishing an unsourced “study” by someone bankrolled by Saudi Arabia utilizing the scientific method of “guessing’ … Would encourage reporters to check sources before lending your outlet’s credibility,” posted the Newsom Press Office.

However, many are questioning the governor's response, arguing that it was an attempt to silence the professor and avoid accountability. "Rather than engaging with the data or addressing Californians’ growing concerns about affordability, Governor Newsom is targeting an academic professor simply because he doesn’t like the conclusions," said Senator Brian Jones (R-San Diego).

The Real Concern: Economic Reality

"If the Governor believes Professor Mische’s projections are flawed, there’s a better path: ask the many highly-paid experts within his own administration. The California Independent System Operator, appointed by Newsom himself, has the background and independence to weigh in on the basic economics of gasoline supply and demand," said Senator Jones.

As one expert pointed out, "When did telling the truth become a fireable offense in California? Instead of silencing experts and spinning the facts, Governor Newsom should be listening to the warnings. Discrediting a respected academic doesn’t change the facts. It only exposes how desperate this administration has become to avoid accountability."

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As of Monday afternoon, Newsom's office has yet to give another response on the issue. The public is calling for transparency and accountability from the governor's office.