California already has the highest gas prices in the United States — by design — and motorists may soon be paying a lot more per gallon due to a longstanding emissions reduction program.
That’s according to Fox News, which cited a little-known state air quality regulator report to note that the program “may lead to a 50-cent increase in gasoline prices within two years.”
The California Air Resources Board, which is the state’s primary environmental regulator, reportedly said in September that gas prices will rise next year by about 50 cents a gallon and every year thereafter to aid in clean air efforts.
Republican state Sen. Janet Nguyen voiced her concern to the network, saying that the “secret” tax increase “would penalize the majority of Californians.”
“The middle class, the low income, they can’t afford gas to go to school, work or grocery or the doctor’s office,” the tax hawk said. “No one knows about this. I think people just think it’s a tax, so they don’t know the difference between the carbon tax versus the state tax. It’s almost like a tax on the tax.”
More from Fox News:
The report foresees gasoline price increases due to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard reforms that were created in 2007, likely rising by 47 cents next year and 52 cents by 2026. Diesel prices could climb by 59 cents this year and 66 cents in two years. Long-term projections suggest gasoline could surge by $1.15 and diesel by $1.50 per gallon from 2031 to 2046, with jet fuel increasing by $1.21.
The air board staff later called the gas price hike projections “incomplete” in a December report, focusing instead on the cost savings to drivers as more people transition to EVs.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) unveiled the California Climate Commitment in 2022, which seeks to phase out reliance on Fossil Fuels (Renewable Energy) and decrease oil demand by a whopping 94 percent. The plan also looks to deploy green energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2045.
“We can solve this climate crisis if we focus on the big, bold steps necessary to cut pollution,” Newsom said at the time.
Big, bold steps that the working class will almost certainly feel in their pockets and the dinner table.
Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story, as seen on the social media platform X:
Our Government here in CA are the biggest crooks and thieves in the nation.
Enough ..
— The ULTRA Craftsman (@LeatherJoseph) May 14, 2024
Of course – this has to be a joke , oh wait it’s California. The leaders are on an another galaxy….disconnected from any normal person.
— Mortgage Pro (@MortgageSense83) May 14, 2024
Elections have consequences!
— Kildozer666 (@kildozer666) May 14, 2024
Those whom voted for this…… pic.twitter.com/TGZMLmY6DB
— JudeMelRoses (@cuspermelrose) May 14, 2024
Somebody hates you. pic.twitter.com/bLHcQDscGy
— Abe Froman (@WerIstDeinPa) May 14, 2024
I’m moving to Hawaii! At least I’ll be able to enjoy lovely white sandy beaches while Joe Biden screws me royally.
— Fokoleta Fokoleta (@1Fokoleta) May 14, 2024
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Author: Tom Tillison
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