Legislative Republicans in California are urging the California Air Resources Board to provide clarity on the potential impact of proposed regulations on the state’s escalating gas prices. In a letter addressed to Liane M. Randolph, chair of the Air Resources Board, and signed by all Republican members of the Assembly and Senate, the lawmakers expressed their opposition to an update to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. They claim that this update could potentially increase gas prices by over $0.50 per gallon.
The legislators also criticized what they perceive as an attempt by the board to downplay their estimate of how these plans would affect consumers. “Gas isn’t a luxury item. It is a basic necessity, and Californians are paying entirely too much for it,” stated Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City). He added, “It’s flat-out dishonest for Gavin Newsom to complain about high gas prices while his administration works behind the scenes to jack up costs even more.”
The letter further highlighted concerns regarding costly new restrictions proposed for the cap-and-trade program and accused Governor Newsom’s administration of not being forthcoming about how these changes would financially burden consumers.
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) voiced her concerns saying, “If families pay more to fill up their gas tank, they then have less money available to buy food, pay bills on time, or put away for a rainy day or emergency. This aggressive state action is just another fee or tax being tacked on to penalize a majority of Californians who drive gas cars. Protecting the hard-earned dollars of my constituents is a top priority and this regulation should be halted now.”
This correspondence was sent prior to a 1:30 pm hearing of the Assembly Utilities & Energy Committee where officials from Newsom’s administration were expected to answer questions regarding California’s highest-in-the-nation gas prices.
