California climate policies impose high costs, critics say

California has enacted a suite of climate measures—including cap‑and‑trade, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, renewable electricity mandates, clean‑car rules, building electrification, methane regulations and land‑use policies. Critics argue the combined effect adds roughly 42 cents per gallon to fuel prices and could raise electricity costs by about 6 percent, while providing no clear evidence of emissions reductions. The Legislative Analyst’s Office notes the absence of reliable studies isolating the impact of cap‑and‑trade. Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Energy Commission are driving the initiatives, which opponents claim burden consumers without delivering measurable climate benefits. Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery, the largest on the West Coast, is cited as a focal point of the debate.

The criticism frames the policies as costly mandates that have not demonstrably improved environmental outcomes, calling for a reassessment of the state’s climate strategy.