California braces for possible gas price hike after tighter climate rules

California drivers could soon see higher gas prices after state regulators approved stricter standards to curb climate change emissions.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), made up of board members appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic-controlled Legislature, voted Friday to update the Golden State’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). did.

The update aims to increase cleaner fuel and transportation options for California drivers and accelerate zero-emissions infrastructure, all of which will help achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, the commission said. It’s part of the state’s broader goal to

CARB Chair LeAnn Randolph said the new policy is aimed at “reducing the environmental and health impacts of transportation fuels used in California and as the state continues to work toward a zero-emissions future.” and ensuring the availability of low-carbon options.”

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FOX Business previously reported that Republican state lawmakers asked the board to postpone the vote after an independent study showed the cost could increase by 47 cents per gallon at the pump. It was reported.

FILE: A sign at a Shell gas station in Los Angeles, California, on Oct. 5, 2023, indicates that gasoline fuel prices are above average, exceeding $7 and approaching $8 per gallon. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)

California’s nonpartisan Legislative Analysis Service predicted that drivers could end up paying up to 20 cents a gallon if the board approves the new plan. Republican Rep. Tom Lackey warned that gas prices would rise by as much as 65 cents a gallon.

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Ahead of Friday’s vote, Republican Rep. Tom Lackey urged the board not to pass the new policy.

A sign indicates that gasoline fuel prices are above average, exceeding $7 and approaching $8 per gallon, at a Mobil gas station in Los Angeles, California, on October 5, 2023. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)

“Our finances are extremely tight. Many of us are already charging our credit cards for necessities. Please don’t push us into bankruptcy,” Lackey said in public comment. “We ask that you do not approve this rulemaking and find other alternatives that are less costly.”

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A CARB spokesperson told FOX Business that the new policy update will not add any type of fuel surcharge. The spokesperson said the impact on consumers will ultimately depend on how fuel suppliers pass costs on to consumers.

“We do not know of any economic model that can reliably predict what fuel prices will be, but there is nothing in this program that would trigger a set price increase,” CARB said. “In fact, our data shows that over the next 20 years, the approved amendments will save Californians more than 40% on fuel costs, while also cleaning our air and mitigating the costly and devastating impacts of climate change.” It shows that.”