Overview
- Fifteen Democratic Assembly members asked CARB to revisit provisions covering fuels and electricity, warning of higher costs for consumers and risks to energy market stability.
- CARB plans to finalize the update in May with changes taking effect next year, saying it has eased the pace of pollution cuts to support fuel reliability and projecting major public‑health and climate benefits.
- Oil companies contend the proposal would add billions in costs, with Chevron estimating gasoline could rise by as much as $1.21 per gallon by 2030.
- Environmental groups dispute those projections, and analysts estimate the current cap‑and‑invest program adds roughly 23 to 30 cents per gallon, with the Low Carbon Fuel Standard contributing about 10 to 20 cents.
- Industry trade groups warn the rules could accelerate refinery contraction, pointing to recent capacity losses including a Phillips 66 closure and a planned Valero shutdown in Benicia.