California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a plan to address rising gas prices. According to the state’s Division of Petroleum Market Oversight, the recent increase in gas prices is attributed to unexpected maintenance at two refineries in the Bay Area.

Newsom’s proposal includes new regulations designed to prevent such price hikes in the future. He suggests granting state regulators the authority to require oil refiners to maintain a reserve oil supply for emergencies and maintenance.

Starting Wednesday, a special committee led by a Democratic assembly member will hold three hearings over the next week and a half to investigate the issue.

The Western States Petroleum Association, which represents the oil industry, has criticized Newsom’s plan. They claim that the proposed storage tanks for backup oil, each costing $35 million and taking years to build due to stringent environmental regulations, would ultimately increase gas prices for consumers in California, Arizona, and Nevada.

In response, Republicans in Sacramento have introduced several bills during the special legislative session aimed at lowering gasoline costs, including proposals to suspend the state’s gas tax and prevent future tax increases.