Blue state drivers brace for higher prices at the pump over tighter climate standards

California drivers may soon see a hike in gas prices after state regulators approved tougher standards for reining in climate emissions. 

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), which comprises board members appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Democrat-controlled legislature, voted Friday to update the Golden State’s Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS). 

The board says the updates are aimed at increasing cleaner fuel and transportation options for California drivers, and accelerating zero-emission infrastructure – all of which are part of the state’s broader aims to be carbon-neutral by 2045. 

CARB Chair Liane Randolph said the new policy “strikes a balance between reducing the environmental and health impacts of transportation fuel used in California and ensuring that low-carbon options are available as the state continues to work toward a zero-emissions future.” 

FOX Business previously reported on Republican state lawmakers who had urged the board to delay the vote after an independent finding showed it could increase the cost at the pump per gallon by 47 cents.

California’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office has forecasted that drivers could be paying up to 20 cents per gallon should the board approve the new plans. Republican Assemblyman Tom Lackey has warned that gas prices would increase by as much as 65 cents per gallon. 

Ahead of Friday’s vote, Republican Assemblyman Tom Lackey urged the board not to pass the new policy. 

“Our finances are stretched very thin. Many of us are already charging basic necessities on our credit cards. Please don’t drive us into bankruptcy,” Lackey said in public comments. “I ask you to not approve this rulemaking and find other alternatives that won’t cost us so much.” 

A spokesperson for CARB told FOX Business that the new policy updates do not add any type of surcharge to fuel. The spokesperson said any impact on consumers will ultimately be determined by how fuel providers choose to pass down costs to consumers. 

“We are not aware of an economic model that allows us to predict with any certainty what fuel prices will be. But there is nothing about this program that sets off any set price increases,” CARB said. “In fact, our data shows that over the next 20 years, the approved amendments will save Californians more than 40% of fuel costs, while cleaning the air and mitigating the costly and devastating impacts of climate change.”