Other efforts to reduce Californians' carbon footprint have cost consumers. A new auditor report notes a greenhouse gas reduction program has raised gasoline prices.
About a quarter — 25.3% — of all new cars registered in California in 2024 were electric cars, compared with 25% in 2023. The flat sales follow several years of rapid growth, and sales are still far below the state's 35% target.
The US EPA granted California’s waiver, which the incoming Trump administration is likely to try to overturn in the courts. The state's zero-emission vehicle mandates have been the driving force behind California's progress in cleaning up dangerous air pollutants.
The Supreme Court justices agreed to review whether oil companies have standing to try to overturn a federal waiver for a California clean-car rule that ramped up electric car sales. The standards are the cornerstone of California's efforts to clean its air and combat climate change.
California has an aggressive mandate for zero-emission trucks, which are powered by electricity or hydrogen. But trucking companies face big obstacles — and people are still breathing dangerous diesel exhaust.
Experts don’t know how much gas prices may rise from the revised California climate program, which tightens standards and gives incentives for low-carbon fuels. The board ordered an annual review of the cost impacts.
Proposed amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program fall short of the goals of transparency, equity and responsible policymaking, says a member of the California Air Resources Board.
For years, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program has given well-connected industries handouts for questionable climate benefits. An energy researcher says California needs to completely overhaul the program.
California dairies have utilized the Low Carbon Fuel Standard climate program to reduce emissions and adopt cleaner fuels. A key upcoming vote to amend the program would hurt sustainable dairies, a farm manager argues.
California may be facing a period of volatility on both gas supply and price as it attempts to wean itself from combustion-powered transportation, its largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions.