On Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) called for a floor vote on Senate Bill 2—his proposal to repeal Gov. Gavin Newsom’s controversial 65-cent gas price increase. Senate Democrats unanimously voted to block the bill.
“I brought SB 2 to the Senate floor to stop Governor Newsom’s 65-cent gas price hike,” said Leader Jones. “Senate Democrats had the opportunity to stand with California drivers. Instead, they chose to protect the nation’s highest gas prices.”
SB 2 would have immediately paused the costly update to California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, a regulatory change expected to raise gas prices by as much as 65 cents per gallon, according to the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. The policy was approved by the California Air Resources Board, a panel of unelected officials appointed by the governor.
Last week, CARB Chair Liane Randolph confirmed that the Board does not evaluate how its regulations affect fuel prices. This statement has only intensified criticism of the administration’s climate policies.
“That admission is stunning,” Jones said. “CARB is making billion-dollar decisions that hit every Californian at the pump, without any concern for the cost. That level of arrogance and detachment is exactly why we need SB 2.”
California drivers face another blow in the coming weeks. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration announced that the state’s gas excise tax will rise to 61.2 cents per gallon on July 1—the same day the new LCFS rules take effect. For working families, it’s a double hit at the pump amid already high living costs, Jones said.
The economic impact could worsen. USC Professor Michael Mische warns that gas prices could spike by 75%, reaching $8.43 per gallon by 2026, driven by refinery closures and burdensome regulations, such as the updated LCFS.
“Democrats talk about affordability—until it’s time to vote on it,” Jones said. “Senate Republicans will continue fighting these reckless gas hikes and pushing for accountability from the Governor and his regulators.”
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