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Rising gas prices in California fuel frustration among college students

Now Playing Rising gas prices in California fuel frustration among college students
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If you work a 9-5 or are a college student who commutes, you might have noticed the rise in gas prices, and they seem to be getting higher every week. 

In California, this is due to refinery closures, increased demand, and the state’s Cap-and-Invest strategy. 

The Cap-and-Invest program is the state’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and while it is an environmental regulation, some may question how it affects gas prices. 

Chevron issued a statement on its website in response to the state’s decision, urging the state to think more carefully and consider the effect this will have on California residents. 

And for college students who commute to school, these high prices mean making sacrifices. 

“I’d have to miss school sometimes because maybe we might not have enough gas, or it’d be just too pricey for us to get any,” said Jasmine Evangelista, a College of the Canyons student and commuter.

They are not the only ones making tough choices about their education. 

I just noticed it’s gone up a bit higher, and usually we’d want to go out to a bunch of places, kind of like farther out, like in Los Angeles, or Long Beach, since that is where my school is going to be,” said Evangelista.

“I noticed it’s been affecting just our way of traveling a lot more.”

As these prices rise and remain unpredictable, college students are left managing more than just tuition and textbooks, but now, the added cost of fuel. 

“You know I still try my best to come to school everyday but I feel like more in the future, it’d be like more difficult,” said Evangelista.

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