A little-known report from the state’s air quality regulator says a years-long emissions reduction program could cause gas prices to rise by 50 cents in California within two years.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB), the state’s main environmental regulator, announced in September that gasoline prices would increase by about 50 cents per gallon starting next year, and then annually thereafter, to support clean air efforts. reported.
The increase does not include the state’s existing gasoline tax.
Republican state Sen. Janet Nguyen, one of the most critical tax hawks in Congress, told Fox News Digital that the “secret” tax increase “would disadvantage the vast majority of Californians.” Told.
“Middle-class and low-income people can’t afford to pay for gas to get to school, work, the grocery store or the doctor’s office,” Nguyen said. “Nobody knows about this. I think people don’t know the difference between a carbon tax and a state tax because they just think it’s a tax. It’s almost like a tax on a tax. It’s something.”
The report predicts that gasoline prices will rise for the following reasons: Revised low carbon fuel standards Created in 2007, it is likely to rise by 47 cents next year and 52 cents by 2026. Diesel prices could rise by 59 cents this year and 66 cents over two years. Longer-term projections suggest gasoline could rise by $1.15 a gallon, diesel by $1.50 and jet fuel by $1.21 from 2031 to 2046.
Aviation Commission staff later said in a December report that forecasts for gasoline price increases were “incomplete” and instead focused on reducing costs for drivers as the transition to EVs increases.
The report comes as CARB last month finalized new rules mandating a rapid transition from traditional oil-fueled transportation to zero-emission alternatives as it pursues broader climate change issues. It was announced in response.
CARB has identified passenger vehicles, heavy trucking, freight trains, and port vessels to be eligible for the switch.
California will also phase out new gasoline-powered cars and require 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035.
Nearly 20 other states have since adopted these rules, meaning more than 40% of the country will be affected to some extent by this mandate.
The state’s broader efforts to electrify its transportation sector are part of Newsom’s California Climate Action Plan, which he announced two years ago.
The plan calls for the state to phase out its dependence on fossil fuels and deploy green energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% and oil demand by a staggering 94% by 2045. The aims.
“We can solve this climate crisis by focusing on the big, bold steps needed to reduce pollution,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in August 2022.
FOX News’ Thomas Catenacci contributed to this report.
