Cancio calls for increased oil production to lower gas prices

NORWALK —State Assembly candidate and Norwalk-La Mirada school board member Dr. Roberto Cancio on Tuesday called on state government leaders to reverse recent efforts to discourage domestic oil production to lower gas prices.

“$5 and $6 per gallon for gas in California is a direct hit on the pocketbooks of middle class and working families,” said Cancio. “We must act, we must provide relief. Too many families in my community are struggling to fill their gas tanks and sometimes forcing the choice between gas for driving to work or food on the table.”

“Sacramento politicians can ease this burden,” Cancio continued. “As a group, they have moved too fast, too soon to cut domestic production before our economy is ready for it. I share their concerns about climate change, and I oppose more offshore drilling, but oil and gas will continue to be part of California’s energy portfolio well into the future whether they like it or not. That’s just a fact. 

“So, it seems like a pretty easy choice: We can produce it here in California and reap the benefits of lower prices and good paying oil sector jobs or rely on foreign countries like Russia, which President Biden today properly banned imports from, and their higher prices and potential for environmental disaster during transport.”

Cancio, a Democrat and U.S. Navy veteran, is running for Assembly District 64, which includes the cities of Norwalk, La Mirada, Downey, Santa Fe Springs, Cudahy, Bell, Bell Gardens, and La Habra.