California Air Resources Board approves new fuel standards that could increase gas prices

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted to pass new fuel standards that could bring a statewide increase in gas prices after an hours-long meeting on Friday.

After 12 hours, the board voted 12-2 to approve the changes to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program, otherwise known as LCFS.

The goal of the program update is to continue reducing fossil fuels and pushing California toward a clean air future.

Hundreds of people spoke about the measure during Friday's meeting, with those in opposition asking the board to take more time to explain the impact of the new fuel standard.

"What you are doing is ensuring that farmworker communities, low income communities continue to live with the impacts. So, just wanted to urge you all to consider what that means to the Central Valley region that is often forgotten," said Erick Orellana with Community Water Center.

"There's still time to fix the LCFS so that it works for all Californians and today we urge you to say no. What you have right now rewards polluters and ignores the health impacts of dirty fuels," added Alondra Mateo with The People's collective for environmental justice.

Thursday, the Fresno City Council voted unanimously to call on CARB to postpone their meeting until it's clear just how much prices will go up.

During the meeting on Friday, CARB staff acknowledged they were unsure how prices at the pump would change.

Previously, they estimated they could go up by 47 cents per gallon.

They say that is no longer accurate but won't provide a new estimate.

"Any estimate of cost from the LCFS regulatory proposal are inherently uncertain because they involve conducting estimates and speculative projections about what may happen in the future," said a CARB staff member.

Those in favor of the new standards believe they can continue to reduce climate change.

"While I perfectly understand, and it does hurt the working poor more than anybody else when gas prices go up, we've got to find a way to extract ourselves from the use of fossil fuels," said Sean Boyd, a geography instructor at Fresno City College.

"The world is relying on CARB to continue to demonstrate the unwavering commitment to the climate fight," added Sam Wade with the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas.

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