SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It's been nearly a month since the California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted on a controversial decision that could possibly raise gas prices more next year. Now, a board member who voted against the measure is telling ABC10 why he voted against it.
Dean Florez was one of two out of the 16 CARB board members to vote no on the most recent amendments to the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS). The program's goal is to lower the state's greenhouse gas emissions as the state continues its transition to zero-emissions by 2045.
"We really didn't debate or have the opportunity to look at additional information and nonetheless, took the vote. It was too much for me to vote any other way but no," said Florez.
On Nov. 8, the board held a 12-hour meeting to listen to dozens of comments from the public and stakeholders, like PG&E. While people expressed support for the amendments to the LCFS, many people, including lawmakers, opposed it believing it would drive up gas costs.
"Whoever's study you looked at, gas prices are gonna rise anywhere from 45 cents to $1 per gallon," said Florez.
The LCFS allows major polluters, like oil companies, to buy credits and avoid penalties from the state. Regardless of Florez's 'no' vote, the board still passed the measure.
In the weeks leading up to the vote, CARB's Executive Officer Steven Cliff repeatedly said he did not know how it would impact gas prices, and didn't expect prices to increase. ABC10 asked Florez if he believed Cliff lied to the public.
"I'd rather focus on his further statement that is, we don't know where gas prices are going and I think that's absolutely true, and that's what's concerning about it. I don't think anybody was debating whether gas prices would get lower. That's one thing that everybody didn't argue about, and that kind of concerns me as well," said Florez.
Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed his support for the LCFS.
"We've long supported low carbon fuel standard. 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," said Newsom on Nov. 21.
Even with a nearly 150-page staff report about the LCFS mentioning drivers would eventually save on gas prices in the coming years, Florez says he has a hard time believing it will actually happen.
"I don't know. Let's just use history as an example. When I was a kid, gas cost 25 cents and I haven't ever seen gas go down all the way into my now 60s," said Florez.
The board is made up of appointed members and not elected officials. These are also paid positions. Public records show the pay can range from $40,000 to $50,000 a year. In contrast, CARB's chair, Liane Randolph, made nearly $200,000 in 2023. Because of this, lawmakers have continuously asked for more transparency.
If there were to be more oversight, or even an audit, Florez says he'll welcome it.
"Rightfully they should get as many answers as they want from CARB and I think they should obviously, oversight wise, ask us to justify," said Florez.
ABC10 asked Florez if this was a push to get people to stop using gas-powered vehicles. Florez says he's seen similar models take place in other countries, but believes in CARB's goal to take as much carbon out of fuels to reduce the impact on the climate.
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