SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In about a week, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will make a decision that could possibly impact gas prices. There's been criticism about the upcoming board meeting for months, and now lawmakers have written a letter to CARB asking to delay the vote.
"CARB shouldn't move forward with the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and we shouldn't implement the legislation until we know the actual impact, and what the gasoline market's going to look like," said Asm. Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin).
CARB will make a decision about the LCFS on Nov. 8 and many lawmakers are concerned that decision could possibly raise gas prices. It's why Patterson wrote a letter asking CARB to delay the decision.
"We have already seen a pretty drastic impact, I think, as a result of the legislation coming out of this special session. So, why at the same time, is the state going to potentially increase gas prices," said Patterson.
Last year, lawmakers were told gas prices could increase by 47 cents. Last week, CARB's Executive Officer Dr. Steven Cliff said it's not an absolute number. This week, Cliff had another response.
"If the LCFS passes next week, will gas prices, gas costs rise? And my response was no, I don't expect them to," said Cliff.
The lack of clarity on how much this could cost drivers has Patterson frustrated.
"Well, initially, they said 47 cents a gallon, then they said they couldn't predict a number. And then actually yesterday in the press conference they said, 'Oh, we don't think it's going to cost anything,' so I'm not really sure what the truth is," said Patterson.
Although Cliff wasn't sure about how much it could cost drivers, he was sure about how it could affect oil refineries in the state.
"There will be additional impacts and compliance cost on refiners," said Cliff.
The response left Patterson concerned about the future of oil refineries in California.
"What is going to end up happening, as a result by the closure of these refineries, is gas prices are going up because we have to now get more oil from the Middle East and other countries," said Patterson.
A spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom's office told ABC10:
"We’re protecting Californians from price hikes at the pump and cleaning our air. These Republicans are trying to take us backwards because it would be good for Big Oil and their profits. By helping protect against price spikes and cutting pollution, these policies will save Californians billions every year in lower fuel costs and better health outcomes."
The general public is encouraged to attend the Nov. 8 meeting. It's being held in Riverside, but public comment is available to those attending virtually.
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