Newsom’s work on developing another option to bring relief to Californians experiencing the rising cost of fuel and consumer goods," Atkins said. An advisor to Newsom told reporters after the speech that the refunds would likely go to vehicle owners. Rendon has also been adamant that he would not support any plan to provide refunds to the state's highest-income taxpayers. The lawmakers said the $400 sum would cover the current 51 cents-per-gallon gas tax for one full year calculated on one trip to the pump per week for most vehicles. In January, Newsom proposed pausing a gas tax increase for a year slated to take effect in July, which legislative estimates suggest could amount to about $15 in savings per driver.
