California drivers could soon face higher gas prices after state regulators approved stricter climate standards aimed at reducing emissions. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), composed of members appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom and the state’s Democratic legislature, voted on Friday to update the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS).
The updates are designed to promote cleaner fuels and transportation options, as well as speed up the development of zero-emission infrastructure. These measures are part of California’s broader goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
CARB Chair Liane Randolph said the new policy “balances reducing the environmental and health impacts of transportation fuel in California while ensuring that low-carbon options are available as the state works toward a zero-emissions future.”
Republican lawmakers had urged CARB to delay the vote, citing an independent analysis that suggested the changes could raise gas prices by 47 cents per gallon. The state’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office projected a smaller increase, estimating that drivers could pay up to 20 cents more per gallon. However, Republican Assemblyman Tom Lackey warned that prices could rise by as much as 65 cents per gallon.
Ahead of the vote, Lackey voiced concerns over the financial strain many Californians are facing, urging the board to reconsider. “Our finances are stretched thin. Many of us are already charging basic necessities on our credit cards. Please don’t drive us into bankruptcy,” Lackey said.
In response, a CARB spokesperson told FOX Business that the new policy does not include any additional surcharges on fuel. They emphasized that the impact on consumers will depend on how fuel providers adjust prices.
“We don’t have a model to predict fuel prices with certainty,” the spokesperson said. “But there’s nothing in this program that directly sets price increases. Our data suggests that over the next 20 years, these changes will save Californians more than 40% in fuel costs while improving air quality and addressing the severe impacts of climate change.”
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