San Diego City Wire

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is set to increase gasoline prices by 65 cents per gallon on November 8, a move that has drawn criticism from some quarters. The decision comes amid revelations that many CARB members are significantly wealthier than the average Californian.

According to an analysis of publicly available Statements of Economic Interests, 10 out of the 14 board members possess substantial wealth. Among them is CARB's Executive Officer, Steve Cliff, who is reported to be a millionaire. This has raised concerns about the board's understanding and empathy towards the financial struggles faced by ordinary Californians.

Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) voiced his disapproval, stating: "A Governor who lives in idyllic Marin County, a millionaire CARB Executive Officer, and a Democrat-exclusive Board filled with wealthy politicians, former politicians, and academics have set themselves up as judge, jury, and executioner." He further questioned their awareness of the challenges faced by the middle class and working poor: "Should we really be surprised they look down on the struggling middle class and working poor? Their ‘we know what's best for you’ attitude is infuriating for hardworking Californians who are already scraping by just to fill their tanks at current prices, let alone after this new hike."

Leader Jones also criticized what he perceives as arrogance or ignorance within CARB: “I don’t know whether it’s arrogance, ignorance, or both, that the CARB politburo seems to be operating under,” he said. He expressed frustration over the labeling of the price hike as a 'win-win': "This isn’t just out of touch—it’s a slap in the face."