The Streisand Effect Hits Newsom Hard After His Office Makes Huge Blunder Attacking Chevron

It's not a big secret that California's gas is so expensive compared to most of the rest of the country because of its taxes and regulations. 

But Chevron drove that point home when they explained to drivers why the gas is always more in California with signs they put up at their stations.

Drivers across California, including here in the Central Valley, may be noticing new signs posted at some Chevron gas stations pointing the finger at Sacramento for high gas prices.
FULL STORY: https://t.co/TuGBPvhb4D pic.twitter.com/2ECsdQFMSZ

— FOX26 News (@KMPHFOX26) May 22, 2026

The signs carry messages like: “Sacramento policies did this. Now, you pay more."

Others saying, “California has the highest gas taxes and fees in America.”

Chevron spokesperson Ross Allen explained more. 

“They have a 61-cent excise tax on every gallon of gasoline. That’s the highest in the nation,” Allen said.

Allen also pointed to environmental programs like California’s cap-and-trade system and Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which he says increase costs for refiners and consumers.

But that's apparently not something that the California Dems, particularly Gov. Gavin Newsom, want you to hear about. They don't want that blame to fall where it should — squarely on their shoulders. His Press Office X account posted this: 

Californians, if you’re hitting the road this holiday weekend, be sure to AVOID Chevron.

Pro tip: unbranded gas comes from the same refineries, storage tanks, and pipelines, and it meets the same state standards to keep your engine running clean, even if it doesn’t have a fancy… pic.twitter.com/FMTnNHE0Bn

— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) May 21, 2026

Californians, if you’re hitting the road this holiday weekend, be sure to AVOID Chevron. 

Pro tip: unbranded gas comes from the same refineries, storage tanks, and pipelines, and it meets the same state standards to keep your engine running clean, even if it doesn’t have a fancy name like ‘Techron.’  

Big Oil is already making billions off Trump’s Iran War; don’t let them rip you off even more by overpaying for the brand name.

Wow. So think about that for a second. That's the press office of a governor of a state attacking a business in his state, because they're being truthful about the harmful nature of Democratic policies. Not just responding or being critical, but actively calling for a boycott of that business from their official account. And then they wonder why businesses and other people are fleeing the state. Why would any business stay when this is what they have to face? These are the Democrats — their power is more important than truth or sense. 

Actress Justine Bateman nailed them with what it was, calling it "unconscionable." 

This is unconscionable.
The Governor of CA, an elected official meant to serve the constituents of this state, both individuals and their companies, is urging us to AVOID a company here. Incredibly unethical and disqualifying.
No doubt a spiteful response to @Chevron informing… https://t.co/2JftdlRcmC

— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) May 22, 2026

She also said it was "unethical and disqualifying" and no doubt a "spiteful response" to Chevron's signs, revealing the truth to people. Bateman said the problem was the gas tax, and she said, "I will be intentionally buying gas at Chevron this week in LA."

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon noted how Newsom is attacking a company employing many California residents. 

Weird …. Chevron pays taxes and employs many California residents. https://t.co/8Ycg7gGwe7

— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@HarmeetKDhillon) May 22, 2026

Plus, now this has gotten far more attention than if the Newsom team had said nothing and let Chevron's signs go. Now, they've put a much bigger spotlight on their issue and their failures. Hello, Streisand Effect! And he even provided a map, so if you don't know where a Chevron is to buy their gas, now you can go there. Can we say how dumb his team is? 

Pro tip:

Don't take Pro tips from a Politician who hasn't driven himself anywhere since 2004. https://t.co/3m6Rk7I40u

— US OiCalil & Gas Association (@US_OGA) May 22, 2026

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