California GOP's gas price reduction plan rejected by legislature

California Senate Republicans wanted to lower gas prices by stopping new environmental rules. These rules are part of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. However, their proposal, Senate Bill 2, was unlikely to move forward in the Democratic-controlled legislature. During a hearing on Wednesday, the bill was effectively rejected by the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. Only three committee members supported the bill, which was not enough to advance it. The committee needs five votes to move a bill forward. Two Republicans and one Democrat, Senator Melissa Hurtado, voted in favor, but the majority voted against it. Republican leaders expressed disappointment, stating that a significant change would be needed for the bill to progress. Senate Bill 2 aimed to halt recent changes by state air quality regulators that increase limits on carbon emissions from fuels. Although this could lead to higher gas prices, estimates vary on how much. Currently, California's average gas price is $4.65 per gallon, much higher than the national average of $3.10. Republicans have criticized the California Air Resources Board and Governor Gavin Newsom for these tough regulations, which may raise gas prices by 20 to 84 cents per gallon. The regulations were introduced shortly after the November election. While higher gas prices are a concern, the regulations are expected to reduce asthma symptoms for over 70,000 Californians. Additionally, they may attract $100 billion in clean energy investments over the next twenty years. The fuel standard currently adds about 8 cents to gas prices. Senator Hurtado is also proposing two separate bills to address financial burdens on lower-income residents caused by the regulations. These bills would require the air resources board to make changes to reduce costs and allow the legislature to remove board members for misconduct. There's hope that these proposals might still advance.