Prices at the pump may go up
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- You could see prices at the pump go up as early as next year and this time you may be paying more because of a statewide initiative to clean up our air.
Drivers in the Central Valley are not happy about potentially spending more to fill up their tanks in 2015.
"It feels like everything keeps going up and up and up," said Crystal Bishop.
"It's never a good thing," said Austin Valentine.
Analysts expect all Californians to pay anywhere from about 10 cents a gallon to more than 50 cents per gallon. Starting January 1, 2015 because of new rules set to kick in under the state's cap and trade program which aims to clean up air pollution.
"Petroleum based transmissions are 40% of California's greenhouse gas emissions so it's essential that we have that covered," said Dave Clegern with the Air Resources Board.
Clegern says consumers may see a gradual increase in prices over the next several years but opponents are fighting back with campaigns against what they call a hidden gas tax.
"It's hidden because the tax is not being directly being imposed by the legislature," said state assembly member Henry T. Perea.
Perea is spearheading a bill which he believes will help hard working families avoid immediate sticker shock.
"AB 69 will allow for a three year delay for fuels coming under the cap," added Perea. "The reason for that is to give us the time to thoughtfully implement this program so the low income and working class are not disproportionately hit."
The Valley's Nisei Famers League is backing the bill because they're afraid any price hike will have a massive trickle-down effect.
"They are going to pay an increase on everything they touch. The food they deliver to the grocery store, the products of non-perishable foods to the store, transportation is going to be raised," said Manuel Cunha.
