SAN DIEGO — State regulators are considering rules that could cause gas prices to jump in California in an effort to steer away from fossil fuels.
If these new regulations pass, fuel prices could jump by 47 cents to 65 cents a gallon, according to some analysts. It's a prospect that has some drivers pumping the brakes.
Members of the California Air Resources Board will meet Friday Nov. 8 to decide whether to update the state's clean air rules and amend the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. This would increase penalties for refineries that produce high-carbon diesel and gasoline. The decision is under consideration in order to meet an emission reduction goal set by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The extra cost would be passed down to consumers, including San Diego County residents.
In October, Governor Newsom signed legislation to prevent gas price spikes and save Californians money. It would require refineries to have an adequate back-up supply of fuel, a minimum 15-day supply, to prevent erratic price spikes.
It's a plan getting pushback from Republicans.
"Instead of focusing on the solutions that will drive prices down, we've seen policies that risk pushing them even higher," said Republican Assembly Member Joe Patterson.
Dollars aside, some say changing the carbon intensity regulations makes more sense, especially when it comes to confronting climate change.
The meeting takes place in Riverside Friday at 9 a.m. People can watch online here.