In the lead-up to a crucial vote by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on new clean air rules, State Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) requested the state's Legislative Analyst's Office assess the financial impact on California residents.
Hurtado’s request to Legislative Analyst Gabe Petek highlights concerns over CARB’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which would raise gas prices, directly affecting millions of Californians.
CARB voted on the updates on Friday. The board initially projected that the new rules could raise gas prices by as much as 47 cents per gallon. Following significant public backlash, CARB modified its stance. Though CARB acknowledged that oil refiners' costs would rise, they claimed it would not directly increase gas prices for consumers. Their previous analyses, however, projected those costs would be passed on to consumers.
California’s high cost of living remains a central issue. With nearly 87% of the state's light-duty vehicles running on gas, Hurtado emphasizes the urgency of understanding the rule's financial impact on residents grappling with economic strain.
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed 12 of CARB’s 16 members and indicated to NBC (KCRA-Sacramento) that he would not intervene in Friday’s vote. At the same time, CARB’s executive officer Steven Cliff cautioned that delaying would require the board to restart the proposal, which could take two years.
Top legislative leaders have also voiced concerns. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas stressed the importance of transparency. Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire suggested that a legislative “course correction” might be necessary if CARB’s decision goes against public interest.