SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California gas prices could increase after the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved changes to a key climate program aimed at reducing global-warming emissions.
CARB made significant updates to the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS), which makes the state reduce the environmental impact of gas and other transportation fuels.
While the amount gas prices will rise remains unknown, Sacramento drivers are bracing for the increase as they deal with cost-of-living increases in other parts of life.
“Everything right now is already expensive,” said Tatiana Castro, a Sacramento driver. “I drive a big SUV, and that is not going to work for me, especially not today.”
Ronald Torres said he travels for his business and says if the prices increase, he will have to pass the cost on to his customers.
“I will have to raise my rates up a little bit, I think they will understand,” Torres said. “Prices of food are way up. Times are hard right now.”
James Flemings, an Elk Grove driver, said he understands and is willing to pay more to help the environment. California’s goal is to be carbon neutral by 2045.
“Gas is always too high, you have to pay for it,” Flemings said. “If it is going to help the environment then I do not mind paying for it.”
Last year, the CARB released a cost-benefit analysis where it said the increase in gas prices can be 49 cents per gallon. But, the agency did not reanalyze after updating the proposal because it said it cannot accurately predict gas prices.
Lawmakers like Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R - Los Angeles) pushed against change.
“Please do not drive us into bankruptcy,” Lackey said. “With the implementation of this policy, it is going to be approximately $0.65 to be added to each gallon of gas. We are paying $1.40 more than other drivers a gallon more than other drivers across the country.”
Flemings said maybe the incoming Trump administration would help lower gas prices. Anxiety about inflation is high nationally, and voters in the 2024 election broadly believed that former President Donald Trump would be better equipped than Vice President Kamala Harris to handle the economy, according to the Associated Press.
“Hopefully drill, baby, drill,” Torres said.
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