Jones introduces bill to repeal California’s new fuel standards to prevent gasoline price increases

Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) is taking immediate action to provide relief for California drivers, his office said Monday.

On the first day of the new legislative session, Jones introduced Senate Bill 2, which aims to repeal the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) rule recently passed by the California Air Resources Board.

The rule, which analysts say could raise gasoline prices by 65 cents a gallon, has sparked widespread concern among state residents.

“Californians already pay the highest gas prices in the country, and Gavin Newsom’s political agenda is about to drive them even higher,” Jones said. “Our top priority is protecting Californians at the pump. SB 2 will immediately repeal the Newsom administration’s 65 cent gas price increase and end its recent price gouging program.”

According to Jones’ office, the LCFS regulations passed on November 8 are likely to drive gas prices even higher in the future. Prices could rise by 85 cents per gallon by 2030 and $1.50 by 2035, according to a study by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. The Senate Republican Caucus, which co-authored the bill, has rallied support through a petition that has garnered just under 13,000 signatures in just a week.

CARB, made up of political representatives elected by the governor, is responsible for implementing Newsom’s plan to convert all California vehicles to electric vehicles by 2035. Critics argue that these regulations are part of a push to force Californians toward electric vehicles by raising gasoline prices.

Jones emphasized that SB 2 will stop what he calls “price gouging” and “keep costs stable for Californians.”