(The Center Square) – The California Assembly voted against a measure that would have prevented the state’s new Low Carbon Fuel Standard from going into effect, which some experts say would add 65 cents to the cost per gallon of gas if implemented as planned in July.
The rule, which requires producers of fuels that release more carbon than a tightening standard to purchase credits from producers of fuels that release less carbon than the standard, would also impact the parts of Nevada and Arizona that rely on California refineries
The GOP-proposed measure, party of the caucus’s “Cost of Living Week,” failed largely along party lines, with 18 Assembly members voting in support, 39 against and 23 either abstaining or not present. With 19 Republicans in the Assembly, the 23 non-voting members reflect that a large number of Democrats were unwilling to vote against the measure.
KCRA reports that Democratic Assembly leaders have since responded by skipping Republican bills on file in retaliation for the proposal.
“California Democrats are delivering for workers and families in the face of Trump’s assault on affordability through tariffs, the gutting of 800,000 middle class jobs and threats to our ports, tourism and retail sectors, hospitals and clinics, and funding that supports students and innovation at our colleges and universities,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, in a statement. “Meanwhile, California Republicans are spending this week on gimmicks and half-baked proposals that make everyday life more expensive.”
Republicans responded by pointing to Democrats’ apparent retaliation and continued growth in the state’s high cost of living.
“In what ways have you delivered for Californians?” asked Assembly Minority James Gallagher, R-East Nicolaus, in response. “Gas prices and electricity bills continue to rise, insurance rates are skyrocketing.”
“Now they are blocking Republican bills out of spite,” continued Gallagher. “This isn’t leadership, it’s a meltdown from a party that is completely out of touch.”
