By Kerry Jackson and Tim Anaya
Congress recently voted to give Californians weary of expensive government green energy burdens relief from the state’s electric vehicle mandate and its stricter-than-the-rest-of-the-country emissions standards.
You’d think Gov. Gavin Newsom and other officials would look for an off-ramp upon hearing this news to avoid the inevitable crash they have orchestrated. But they not only ripped right on by the exit, they rushed east toward Interstate 80.
Newsom has joined a new coalition with other states to spread the “California Way” across the Sierras. Like Newsom, the other governors in this group want to take away your choice to drive a more affordable gas-powered ride, force you to drive a much more expensive electric vehicle, and outlaw oil and gas production coast to coast. Drivers in other states should beware.
“We are firm and committed in our efforts to continue our leadership in the state of California,” Newsom said at a recent press conference, while state Attorney General Rob Bonta declared that “California will not stand idly by” after Congress voted to give Californians a break from the high costs of driving.
The three congressional resolutions President Donald Trump signed will hamper the state’s decades-old habit of making its own emissions rules.
Behind a placard that read “Trump’s GOP Is Making California Smoggy Again,” Newsom complained that California is under “attack” so that companies can “pollute more.”
“This is all about polluters being able to pollute more — big oil buying off politicians,” he said.
Let’s stop right there, governor. Today’s internal-combustion engines aren’t emission-free, but they are close. “New passenger vehicles are 98-99% cleaner for most tailpipe pollutants compared to the 1960s,” says the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
Newsom also ignores the fact that his policies will curb refinery production. Two major state refineries will shutter for good in the coming year. A recent USC study estimates the closures will raise gasoline prices in California to as much as $8.25 per gallon. At a recent hearing, state environmental officials conceded that they don’t review the impact of gas regulations on consumers. No kidding.
California is determined to make its emissions standards the national standard. And if Newsom has his way, gasoline will become unaffordable to millions.
Newsom announced 11 states are part of the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition, which says it’s committed “to safeguarding Americans’ fundamental right to clean air.” The other 10 states might be convinced that following the California way will give off cool vibes and boost their green street cred, but it will translate into higher costs and fewer choices for consumers.
Research from the Pacific Research Institute bears this out. Seventy-nine percent of taxpayer-funded electric car subsidies are claimed by households making more than $100,000 per year. Meanwhile, California will be 21% short of the power needed to meet demand each day once both the state’s gas car ban and 100% renewable energy mandates are on the books in 2045.
The state’s green mandates impose 56% higher electricity costs on Californians than the national average despite state residents using 34% less energy. And taxpayers and ratepayers will be stuck with a bill upward of $20,000 per household to fund the cost of the green transition.
Drivers want affordable energy and more car-buying choices. When policymakers propose having your state follow the California way on green energy, give them the message that we’ve been there, done that, and it costs too much.
Kerry Jackson is the William Clement fellow in California reform at the Pacific Research Institute. Tim Anaya is PRI’s vice president of marketing and communications. They are co-authors of The California Left Coast Survivor’s Guide. This piece was originally published in the Washington Examiner.