San Diego City Wire

Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones has introduced a bill aimed at repealing the recent Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) regulation by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The regulation, which was passed on November 8, 2024, is expected to increase gas prices by 65 cents per gallon. Senate Bill 2, coauthored by the entire Senate Republican Caucus, seeks to provide relief for drivers in California.

Leader Jones stated, “Californians already pay the highest gas prices in the nation, and Gavin Newsom’s political agenda is about to make them even higher.” He emphasized that their priority is "protecting Californians at the pump," and that SB 2 aims to repeal what he described as a "price gouging scheme."

A study from the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania indicates that these regulations could further raise gas prices by up to $1.50 per gallon by 2035. In response to this potential increase, nearly 13,000 signatures were collected within a week on a statewide petition against the hike.

Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares remarked on the urgency of addressing this issue: “Californians need relief, and on day one we have an immediate opportunity to do so.”

CARB consists of appointees selected by Governor Newsom and is tasked with implementing his plan for all vehicles in California to be electric by 2035. The governor has urged CARB to enhance its efforts towards achieving these goals.

Jones criticized CARB's decision stating it was "a direct assault on hardworking Californians" and accused them of increasing gas prices to push residents towards electric vehicles. He argued that SB 2 would help maintain stable costs for Californians.

Leader Jones also published an op-ed in The San Diego Union-Tribune criticizing Governor Newsom’s strategy regarding gas prices and vehicle electrification.