California Gas Prices Set to Increase After CARB Vote

On Friday, the California Air Resources Board voted to revamp its climate change program which is estimated to increase gas prices as high as 65 cents.  The vote was 12-2 vote.

Ultimately, the changes require gasoline, diesel, and other fuels to meet higher standards for greenhouse gases.  It also tweaks how credits are awarded for lower carbon fuels.

On Saturday morning, the average gallon of gas in California costs $4.14 compared to the $3.09 national average. In Contra Costa County, the average is $4.60 per gallon.

California State Republicans released the following statement stating , the California Air Resources Board voted to update the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and increase gas prices. Despite estimates this vote could spike prices by another 65 cents a gallon and demands for more transparency from lawmakers, journalists and the public, the board approved the new regulation.

The vote to increase gas prices comes after Newsom’s special session on gas prices, where new regulations have caused refiners to consider pulling out of California.

“This is just the latest example of Newsom and his Democrat allies in the Legislature screwing working Californians with even higher costs,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City). “Californians have been clear: they cannot afford the higher gas prices this new rule will cause. Democrat politicians have stood in the way of every effort to stop this price spike – they will have to answer to their outraged constituents when gas prices jump yet again.”

Meanwhile, other statements from lawmakers

• Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale): Gas prices will increase by as much as 67 cents per gallon if CARB approves this policy. I will be in person at tomorrow’s hearing to urge CARB to reject this proposal. The Governor should join me, not make splashy headlines about a special session that does nothing to lower gas prices.
• Senator Brian W. Jones: The Air Resources Board’s 65-cent gas price hike is a direct assault on hardworking Californians. This evening’s vote is nothing short of blatant price gouging by the Newsom Administration. This unelected group of wealthy bureaucrats, handpicked and directed by Governor Newsom, is shamelessly increasing gas prices so Californians are forced into electric vehicles against their will. And conveniently, they pushed this costly regulation through right after the election, late at night, hoping no one would notice. Californians have had enough—we already pay the highest gas prices in the nation, and they are about to get much higher. It’s time to rein in CARB’s unchecked power, starting by revoking the federal waivers that allow them to do whatever they want, whenever they want without the consent of Californians who pay the price for their political agenda.

 

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