California’s gas tax is scheduled to increase by 2.2 cents per gallon on Wednesday, a change that critics say contributes to higher fuel pump prices. The policy is being linked to current concerns about gas affordability as GOP lawmakers urge Gov. Gavin Newsom to pause or suspend the gas tax increase. Fox News reports that Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. David Valadao, are calling for suspension in response to the expected impact at the pump. Other coverage presented alongside this story repeats the focus on the scheduled tax increase and the political pressure on the governor, though details beyond the scheduled rate and the calls to suspend it are limited in the provided excerpts. The discussion centers on whether the tax increase should proceed as planned given consumer costs. As the scheduled increase approaches, the dispute remains focused on the decision to maintain versus halt the planned adjustment and how it affects the price of gasoline for drivers in California.