IRVINE, Calif. (January 4, 2018) – Western Growers has provided financial support for qualification of an initiative to repeal SB 1, the California gas and diesel tax increase enacted last year. Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif issued the following statement:

“Western Growers opposed SB 1, the $55 billion gas and diesel tax increase, for several reasons. We were not satisfied that the state had made the case that enormous amounts of gas and diesel tax moneys collected in prior years had been properly dedicated to road and highway maintenance. We were concerned with the lack of reforms to state transportation spending in SB 1.

“Our industry is heavily impacted by California’s already-high gas and diesel taxes, but we were presented SB 1 as a finished product. We have now been presented with a viable mechanism to force a do-over by the next Legislature, with the consent of the state’s voters, and we believe this would be in the best interests of California’s farmers.”

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About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations, we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.