WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Michelle Steel (CA-45) led the entire California Republican Congressional delegation in a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) requesting they delay their upcoming November 8^th vote on amendments to the Lower Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) until the public is provided with transparency on how these changes will impact gas prices. In September 2023, CARB reported that these changes could raise prices by 47 cents per gallon in 2025. CARB has since walked back this analysis and refused to provide an updated cost analysis.

“Californians are already paying the highest gas prices in the nation because of our state’s gas tax,” said Congressman Valadao. “It is unacceptable that unelected bureaucrats at CARB are attempting to quietly pass new rules that will raise gas prices even more for Central Valley families. I strongly urge CARB to delay this vote until they provide a full and complete analysis of how their actions will impact gas prices for consumers.”

“Governor Newsom’s bureaucracy in Sacramento continues to make life unaffordable for Californians without considering input from affected citizens. State agencies should not be enacting new regulations raising our cost of living by dramatically increasing already-high gas prices,” said Congresswoman Steel. “CARB must delay their November 8 vote and study the impact their regulations will have on all Californians.”

In the letter, the lawmakers noted that Californians are already paying the highest gas prices in the nation. Rep. Valadao led a letter to Governor Newsom earlier this year citing his concerns over the LCFS amendments and the annual gas tax increase.

“CARB’s new and deceitful approach comes as Californians continue to weather gas prices $1.50 per gallon above national averages, as well as a July hike in the gas excise tax to 59.6 cents per gallon. CARB has misleadingly billed these amendments as a regulatory burden limited to fossil fuel producers and importers. Unfortunately, there is no doubt that Californians will continue to pay the price,” the lawmakers wrote.

Read the full letter here.

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