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Sonora, CA — Mother Lode State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil is demanding transparency from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regarding a possible hidden gas price hike.
Alvarado-Gil delivered a letter signed by several Republicans urging the board to postpone its Nov. 8 vote on proposed changes to the Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which they say could raise gas prices as high as 47 cents per gallon next year.
“Families in my district are already struggling to get by with California’s high cost of living, so the lack of answers about a program that could raise gas prices by nearly 50 cents is unacceptable,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil. “As legislators, we are accountable to our constituents, but who holds these unelected boards accountable? The right thing for CARB to do is to postpone its hearing until it can provide clear information on how this will impact people’s everyday lives.”
The letter highlights their concerns over CARB not disclosing any analysis of how the proposed LCFS amendments will affect gas prices and cites a recent report that suggests that the price increase could range from 65 to 85 cents per gallon. The letter states, “Without specific information from CARB, it is reasonable to assume that its adoption of these amended regulations will directly increase gas prices by up to $0.65 in the near term, up to $0.85 per gallon by 2030, and up to $1.50 per gallon by 2035, as outlined in the Cullenward report.”
The letter comes after the passage of ABx2-1, which gives the California Energy Commission (CEC) the authority to require oil refiners to maintain minimum gasoline and diesel inventories and is backed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Senator Alvarado-Gil voted no on the measure, pointing out that the policy is likely to contribute to higher gas prices due to more regulations on refiners.
“Transparency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s essential for accurately representing the needs of our communities. In addition to holding off on the Nov. 8 vote, I also urge CARB to step up and provide all the necessary information for the public to see,” Alvarado-Gil concluded.
To view the entire letter, click here.
Written by Tracey Petersen.
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