Are Democrats trying to make more of their residents flee their state?
California’s ambitious emissions reduction initiative is poised to trigger a significant uptick in gasoline prices, potentially adding 50 cents per gallon within the next two years, according to a report from a lesser-known state air quality regulatory body.
Released by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the state’s primary environmental oversight agency, the report outlines projections of escalating gas prices starting next year, with an annual increase of approximately 50 cents per gallon thereafter, excluding the existing state gas tax.
Republican state Senator Janet Nguyen, renowned for her fiscal conservatism, expressed concern over what she termed a “hidden” tax hike, emphasizing its disproportionate impact on Californians, particularly those from middle and lower-income brackets. She criticized the lack of public awareness regarding the impending cost surge, likening it to a “tax on the tax.”
The projected price hikes stem from reforms associated with the Low Carbon Fuel Standard established in 2007, with anticipated increases of 47 cents per gallon for gasoline by next year and 52 cents by 2026. Diesel prices are expected to surge by 59 cents this year and 66 cents within two years. Long-term estimations paint a starker picture, with gasoline prices potentially soaring by $1.15 and diesel by $1.50 per gallon from 2031 to 2046, accompanied by a $1.21 increase in jet fuel costs.
However, CARB staff later deemed these projections “incomplete” in a subsequent report, emphasizing the potential cost savings for drivers as the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) gains momentum.
This report coincides with CARB’s recent implementation of stringent regulations mandating a rapid shift from conventional petroleum-based transportation modes to zero-emission alternatives, aligning with its ambitious climate agenda. The transition targets various transportation sectors, including passenger cars, heavy-duty trucks, freight trains, and harbor vessels.
California’s commitment to phasing out new gas-powered vehicles and enforcing a 100% electric vehicle sales mandate by 2035 reflects its broader initiative to electrify the transportation sector. With nearly 20 other states adopting similar regulations, over 40% of the nation will be subject to these mandates, signaling a significant shift in the automotive landscape.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Climate Commitment, unveiled in 2022, outlines comprehensive measures to combat climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2045 and slashing oil demand by an unprecedented 94%. Newsom underscores the importance of bold actions to address the climate crisis effectively.