CALIFORNIA, USA — Gas prices in California could be changing again as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is meeting on Friday to discuss carbon-reduction requirements. Many critics believe this could raise gas prices.
The California Fuels and Convenience Alliance (CFCA) represents gas station owners and fuel marketers across the state. The organization says what is decided at Friday's CARB meeting will negatively impact its members and Californians.
"If that price for diesel goes up, that means the price for all those products also increases," said Alessandra Magnasco with CFCA.
CARB is expected to vote on the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) on Friday. The program's goal is to lower the state's greenhouse gas emissions as the state continues its transition to zero emissions by 2045. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have continuously asked CARB to delay the vote for weeks, as some predict gas prices could increase by 47 cents a gallon.
"A potential roughly 50 cents a gallon increase as soon as next year is obviously very problematic," Magnasco said.
Food & Water Watch is a non-profit focused on industrial animal agriculture and factory farming. While it also disagrees with the LCFS, it believes it'll benefit the oil companies and major dairy farms, and hurt the sustainable family-owned food and dairy industry in the state.
"While the oil and gas industry appears to have issues with aspects of the low carbon fuel standard, it really likes this part of the program because it's an easy way to compliance that can actually become a financial revenue, a source of revenue for them," said Tyler Lobdell with Food & Water Watch.
Last week, CARB's Executive Officer told the public there will be an extra cost to refiners if the LCFS passes, but when it comes to consumers paying for gas, he doesn't expect it to have an impact.
A CARB spokesperson tells ABC10 it is not able to predict gas prices with certainty and the proposed amendments to the LCFS shows Californians will see more than 40% reduction in fuel costs over the next 20 years.
Friday's meeting will be public for anyone to attend in person and virtually.