Newsom Monday signed legislation to require oil companies to give the state more authority to oversee refinery operations. That could mean companies could have to keep minimum amounts of refined gasoline on hand, which in theory should prevent or ease sudden price increases.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Monday aimed at preventing gas prices from spiking, marking the Democrat’s latest move in a battle with the oil industry over energy prices and the impacts of climate change.