West OC Times

Reps. Michelle Steel and David Valadao, alongside other California House Republicans, have urged the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to delay a vote scheduled for November 8. The vote concerns raising gas prices by 47 cents per gallon in 2025 due to new carbon fuel standards. The lawmakers are also asking CARB to analyze the potential cost impact on consumers before implementing these changes.

The letter signed by Reps. Ken Calvert, John Duarte, Vince Fong, Mike Garcia, Darrell Issa, Kevin Kiley, Young Kim, Doug LaMalfa, Tom McClintock, and Jay Obernolte outlines concerns over the proposed increase. Projections indicate that the more stringent carbon intensity standards could add significantly to gas prices for California drivers by 2025 and potentially raise them by 85 cents per gallon by 2030.

Rep. Michelle Steel criticized Governor Newsom's administration for enacting regulations without considering citizen input: “State agencies should not be enacting new regulations raising our cost of living by dramatically increasing already-high gas prices.” She called for a delay in CARB's vote to assess the regulations' impacts.

Congressman Valadao highlighted the financial burden on Central Valley families: “It is unacceptable that unelected bureaucrats at CARB are attempting to quietly pass new rules that will raise gas prices even more.”

The correspondence addressed to CARB Board Chairman Liane Randolph emphasized existing high gas prices in California and noted how additional costs could further strain Californians already facing increased energy, food, and housing expenses.

The delegation expressed concern about the disproportionate effect on working-class Californians: “It is well established that those with less economic means frequently bear a disproportionate burden when government mandates raise basic costs of living.” They urged CARB to consider low-income populations' welfare before proceeding with amendments.