FRESNO, CA (KMJ) Gas prices are about to go up again in California, surging well past the $5 mark.
Currently, California drivers are forking over $4.68 per gallon (on average). But regulators have voted to dramatically increase that cost – by 65-cent per gallon – according to analysts.
California’s Air Resources Board, or (CARB), voted Friday night to change fuel standards to reduce emissions and improve air quality, but this would lead to an increase in gas prices throughout the state.
Ahead of the vote, California Senate Republicans submitted a petition with nearly 13,000 signatures urging this board to postpone the vote.
Fresno City Council President AnaLisa Perea also requested a pause on the CARB vote to study the impact on local drivers. Her request was summarily dismissed by the Board.
California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) issued the following statement shortly after the vote: “Today’s vote is nothing short of blatant price gouging by the Newsom Administration. The Air Resources Board’s 65-cent gas price hike is a direct assault on hardworking Californians. This unelected group of wealthy bureaucrats, handpicked and directed by Governor Newsom, is shamelessly increasing gas prices so Californians are forced into electric vehicles against their will. And conveniently, they pushed this costly regulation through right after the election, hoping no one would notice.”
“We know that in order to be successful in addressing climate change, we must continue to reduce our fossil fuel consumption,” said Liane Randolph, chair of California Air Resources Board.
