California is bracing for possible fuel price hikes after tougher climate laws

California drivers may see gas prices rise after state regulators approved tougher standards to tighten climate emissions.

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

The board says the updates are aimed at increasing clean fuel and transportation options for California drivers, as well as speeding up emission-free infrastructure — all part of the state’s broader goals to become 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.”

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FOX Business previously reported on Republican state lawmakers who had urged the board to delay the vote after receiving an independent showing that it could increase the cost of the pump by 47 cents.

FILE: A sign showing gasoline prices are more than seven above the average and close to eight dollars a liter at a Shell gas station in Los Angeles, California, on October 5, 2023. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

California’s nonpartisan Legal Analyst’s Office has predicted that drivers could pay 20 cents per gallon if the board approves the new plans. Republican Congressman Tom Lackey warned that gasoline prices would increase by about 65 cents per gallon.

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

A sign showing gasoline prices above the average for more than seven and approaching eight dollars a liter at a Mobil gas station in Los Angeles, California, on October 5, 2023. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“Our funds are very small. Many of us are already charging basic services on our cards. Please don’t get us into trouble,” Lackey said in a public comment. “I’m asking you not to approve this suspension and find other ways that won’t cost us so much.”

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A CARB spokesperson told FOX Business that the new policy revisions do not add any kind of additional cost to gasoline. A spokesman said any impact on consumers would ultimately be determined by whether fuel suppliers chose to lower costs for consumers.

“We don’t know the economic model that allows us to predict with certainty what fuel prices will be. But there is nothing in this plan that closes any price increase,” said CARB. “In fact, our data shows that over the next 20 years, the approved amendments will save Californians more than 40% in fuel costs, while cleaning the air and reducing the costly and damaging impacts of climate change.”