SAN DIEGO — California drivers may face higher gas prices in the coming year as new clean-air regulations take effect, aimed at bringing the state closer to its zero-emissions goal.
The California Air Resources Board recently approved a proposal to limit the amount of carbon in fuel by increasing penalties for refineries that produce high-carbon diesel and gasoline. While the exact impact on gas prices remains unclear, some studies suggest those increases passed down to drivers could range from 47 to 65 cents per gallon in the near term.
"That's not an insignificant amount. You definitely will feel that every time you look at the pump," said San Diego resident Andrew Birch, who already spends over $80 weekly on fuel for his pickup truck.
The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy projects even steeper increases in the future, estimating gas prices could rise by 85 cents per gallon by 2030 and nearly $1.50 per gallon by 2035.
In response to these potential price hikes, Republican State Senator Brian Jones from San Diego County has proposed legislation to repeal the new regulations.
"SB 2 rolls back Governor Newsom's gas tax increases and puts us back to where we were two weeks ago," Jones said.
Governor Gavin Newsom continues to support the state board's decision, especially in light of the upcoming change in administration at the federal level.
"We've long supported low carbon fuel standards. We believe in the importance and the imperative, particularly at this critical moment as it relates to American history and the likely shift in policies and approach that will be taking place with the Trump administration," Newsom said in Fresno on November 21.
The California Air Resources Board has said it will monitor for any unexpected gas price impacts resulting from these changes and has directed its staff to return with program adjustments if concerns over fuel price hikes materialize.
For Jones' proposed legislation to succeed in rolling back the new regulations, it would require a two-thirds vote in both the State Senate and Assembly. Even then, it would ultimately need the Governor's signature to become law.