Gov. Gavin Newsom talks to the media with legislators and community leaders after signing bill intended to prevent gas price spikes at the state Capitol on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. Paul Kitagaki Jr. [email protected]

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.

A bill backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom as part of a broader plan to end gas price hikes was given final approval by the California State Assembly in a special session Monday afternoon and now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed a bill that could force oil refineries in the state to hold onto a minimum amount of fuel — a policy he aggressively pushed lawmakers to pass in a special session as a way to prevent future spikes in gasoline prices.

As a gasoline reserve bill faces a final vote Monday, labor advocates say the bill’s safety measures don’t go far enough.

The California State Senate on Friday advanced Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) controversial proposal to tighten rules on refinery fuel storage — an attempt to avoid future supply scarcity as well as price hikes at the pump.