California Running Low on Gas

In an article published in the Los Angeles Times, on October 7, 2012 titled: "Gov. Brown Takes Emergency Action to Try to Reduce Gas Prices", Stuart Pfeifer discusses the recent gas crisis taking place in California, and the governor's initiative to reduce the ridiculous price per gallon of gasoline. Recently, a refinery in California burned down and another shutdown, while a pipeline from Kern County to San Francisco Bay area has closed down from contamination, therefore there is a shortage of summer-blend gasoline. Governor Brown has taken emergency steps this Sunday to reduce the prices of gasoline by directing the California Air Resources Board to the immediate use of the more available winter blend. "Winter-blend gasoline is a mixture that evaporates more quickly than gas sold in summer months. It’s considered more detrimental to air quality during warm weather" (Pfeifer). By law, California is not allowed to use the winter-blend until October 31st. On Sunday, gas prices in California hit an officially broke the record high at an average of $4.65, while the national average remains at a reasonable $3.81. I have personally, felt the effects of this gas crisis, having to fill up gasoline at $4.67 per gallon this week. If this continues, my prediction is that most people will begin using public transportation rather than driving, until October 31st.