California lawmakers have passed a bill giving the California Energy Commission the power to impose fines of up to $2,500 per violation on oil companies found to be engaging in price gouging. This bill is seen as a victory for consumers, who have long complained of unfair gas prices, and for Governor Gavin Newsom, who has made it a priority to tackle the issue. The bill was passed in an unusually fast process, despite opposition from the powerful oil industry.
