Economists like Newsom’s plan to control gas prices; refiners say it could drive costs higher

FALL IS IN the air, and that means California drivers are gearing up for seasonal price increases at the pump. A plan by Gov. Gavin Newsom to hold down those spikes cleared the Assembly petroleum committee this past Thursday.

The proposal, the focus of a special legislative session, is set to head to an Assembly  floor vote Tuesday, Oct. 1.