Megan and Brian Dahle join other legislators to question new CARB regulations

According to a statement from District 1 Assemblymember Megan Dahle, As we approach the colder months‚ California families could see an increase in gas prices at the pump. The California Air Resources Board is set to vote next month on new regulations that could raise gas prices by as much as 65 cents per gallon‚ adding even more strain to budgets already stretched by high fuel costs.

If approved‚ prices could rise steadily‚ potentially reaching up to $1.50 more per gallon by 2035. With Californians already paying some of the highest gas prices in the country‚ these increases would make it even harder for families to manage their day-to-day expenses.

In light of this‚ I’ve joined several other legislators in urging CARB to delay their decision until a clearer picture of the financial impact is available. It’s important that Californians have transparency and a voice in the process before major changes like these are made.

While the governor has already approved these regulations‚ it’s never too late to make your voice heard. I encourage you to reach out to his office and share your thoughts on how these decisions are affecting your family.

To do so‚ click here to contact the governor and click here to contact CARB.

Here’s the text of the Oct. 15, letter to Liane Randolph Chair, California Air Resources Board
California motorists are already paying $1.50 more per gallon for gasoline than the national average price of the other 47 continental states. It is with this in mind that we write you again with serious concerns about the proposed amendments to the Low-Carbon Fuels Standard program that will drive up fuel prices.

We regret that the California Air Resources Board refuses to release any analysis of how its proposed LCFS amendments will affect gas prices in California.

As Los Angeles Times columnist George Skelton wrote over the weekend: “A year ago the air board (CARB) estimated that the new regulation could raise gas prices by 47 cents a gallon because of refinery costs passed on the consumers. A separate study placed the pump cost much higher – 65 cents a gallon. Now the air board has backed off its 47-cent price hike estimate. And it refuses to offer a revised forecast … So an unelected bunch of regulators can arbitrarily adopt new rules without weighing the costs to consumers? Doesn’t seem right. Seems a bit irresponsible and arrogant.”

We concur with Skelton’s assessment that CARB is being irresponsible at the expense of everyday Californians struggling with the affordability of basic needs. If CARB wants the public, through their elected representatives, to be supportive of new initiatives to protect the environment, CARB should be forthcoming with all information – so the public can consider the costs and benefits.

In an effort to prompt those disclosures, we requested in a May 14, 2024, letter that CARB provide answers to specific questions about the proposed amendments to the LCFS program.

We have updated those here:
What are the anticipated costs of LCFS, and what should consumers anticipate paying per gallon if enacted?

When will CARB perform a combined analysis of the pass-through of LCFS credit prices?

Will the proposed amendments to LCFS in fact cost consumers up to 47-cents per gallon in 2025 and 52-cents in 2026, or is the Cullenward study mentioned in the Skelton column more accurate in predicting that gas prices will increase by 65- to 85-cents? What direct or indirect impacts does the LCFS program have on the price of gas for consumers?

The Sept. 23 letter we received in response did not address these issues. Instead, it continued to advance the narrative that the LCFS program has minimal impact on gas prices. It is absurd that CARB takes such a position when its own Initial Statement of Reasons Assessment predicted an increase in costs to consumers.

We urge CARB to delay and reschedule its November hearings and its vote on the amendments to the LCFS program.

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.

For years, in policy committee hearings, budget hearings, and Senate confirmation hearings, CARB has repeatedly stated to the legislature that it values transparency and is committed to providing full and complete information on its proposals to the public, media, and the legislature.

Additionally, many CARB members have indicated they understand, and will consider, how the effects of CARB’s actions will disproportionally affect disadvantaged, low-income, and struggling communities in California.

The right thing for CARB to do is to postpone the LCFS hearing on the proposed amendments and immediately disclose the actual benefits and true costs to Californians and facilitate public participation in these important policy decisions.

We appreciate your consideration of our request.

The letter is signed by signed by assemblymembers Megan Dahle, Greg Wallis, James Gallagher, Joe Patterson, Josh Hoover, Jim Patterson, Heath Flora, Juan Alanis, Devon J. Mathis, Tom Lackey, Phillip Chen, Bill Essaylim Tri Ta and senators Brian Dahle, Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Marie Alvarado-Gil, Roger Niello, Shannon Grove, Scott Wilk, Kelly Seyarto, Janet Nguyen and Brian Jones.