Gas Prices Could Spike In CA As State Regulators Crack Down On Fuel Emissions

CALIFORNIA — Prices at the pump could go up in California after state regulators recently voted for tougher fuel standards to prevent pollution, according to reports.

The California Air Resources Board last week approved goals to cut fuel emissions 30 percent by 2030 and 90 percent by 2045, KTLA reported.

Board staff initially estimated the change would increase gas prices by 47 cents per gallon, possibly by 2025, but later revised the increase projection to 10 cents per gallon or nothing, according to KNBC. A University of Pennsylvania study, however, found the spike could be much higher at 65 cents per gallon next year and almost $1.50 per gallon in 2035, KTLA reported.

The plan won’t directly tax drivers, but it will require oil and gas providers to pay for credits to emit carbon and to make cleaner but more expensive fuel, the costs for which will be passed on to drivers, according to KCRA.

As of Friday morning, California had the second-highest average gas price in the nation at $4.47 per gallon, eclipsed only by Hawaii, according to AAA.