GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has suggested that California Gov. Gavin Newsom should suspend the state's gas tax, a move similar to Australia's decision to cut the fuel excise tax in half from April to June. This move would save drivers nearly 13 dollars on a 17-gallon tank of fuel. Hilton criticizes Newsom for his elitist climate fanaticism and accused him of ignoring working families. The state’s high gas prices are attributed to climate policies, higher-than-average taxes, and a Democratic state government that is antagonistic towards the oil industry. However, legislation to lift the state excise tax, state and logical taxes, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and Cap-and-Trade compliance costs were quickly rejected by the Democratic-controlled state legislature.