- California Democrats approved a 50- to 65-cent gas tax increase under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, effective July 2025, despite Republican opposition.
- Analysts warn gas prices could hit $8.44 per gallon by late 2026 due to refinery closures and regulations.
- CARB admitted it never studied the economic impact of the tax, sparking criticism from Republican leaders.
- Two major refinery closures will reduce California’s refining capacity by 20%, worsening shortages and price spikes.
- Critics argue the tax disproportionately harms working-class families while advancing radical climate policies.
(Natural News)—In yet another assault on working-class Californians, the state’s Democratic supermajority has greenlit a staggering 50- to 65-cent gas tax increase under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), set to take effect July 1, 2025.
Republican efforts to block the hike failed miserably in a 18-39 Assembly vote, leaving drivers to brace for what analysts warn could be $8.44-per-gallon gasoline by late 2026. This isn’t just another tax; it’s economic sabotage disguised as environmentalism, a reckless experiment that will cripple households already drowning in the nation’s highest cost of living.
The green agenda’s hidden costs
The tax hike, approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), is framed as a necessary step to reduce carbon emissions. But the real agenda is clear: punish drivers, enrich bureaucrats, and force compliance with the state’s radical climate dogma. A USC analysis by Professor Michael A. Mische projects that the combined effects of refinery closures, the LCFS tax, and other regulations could spike prices by 75%, pushing the average gallon of gas to a jaw-dropping $8.44.
“The shutdown of the two California-based refineries could possibly place the Golden State in a precarious economic situation,” Mische warned, noting daily gasoline deficits of 6.6 to 13.1 million gallons. This could mean shortages, rationing, and economic chaos.
Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Brian Jones (R-San Diego), fought tooth and nail to halt the tax through Senate Bill 2 (SB 2). But Democrats, who dominate the legislature, killed the measure in a 10-23 vote. Jones blasted the decision, stating, “Senate Democrats unanimously opposed it. They had a chance to stand with California drivers, but instead, they chose to defend the highest gas prices in the nation.”
CARB’s arrogance was laid bare when Chair Liane Randolph admitted the board never studied the economic impact of the LCFS on gas prices. “That admission is stunning,” Jones said. “CARB is making billion-dollar decisions that hit every family at the pump, and they’re doing it without even asking what it will cost.”
A perfect storm of regulatory disasters
California’s gas crisis isn’t just about taxes. The pending closure of two major refineries, Phillips 66 in 2025 and Valero in 2026, will slash the state’s refining capacity by 20%. Pair that with draconian environmental rules like Cap and Trade and SBX1-2, and you’ve got a recipe for energy poverty.
CARB spokesman David Clegern downplayed the crisis, calling projections of a 65-cent hike “misinformation” and claiming costs could be as low as 5 to 8 cents per gallon. But Californians aren’t buying it. The state already pays $1.50 more per gallon than the national average, and this new tax will only deepen the pain.
Who really pays?
Those who will end up paying for this decision include the working class, small businesses, and single parents driving to work. Democrats love to preach “equity” while enacting policies that crush the very people they claim to protect. The LCFS tax isn’t about saving the planet; it’s about control. It’s about forcing Californians into expensive electric vehicles or government-dependent public transit, all while ignoring the real-world consequences: shuttered businesses, higher grocery bills, and families choosing between gas and groceries.
California’s leaders are doubling down on failure. While they virtue-signal about climate change, they ignore the economic tsunami heading for their constituents. The gas tax hike is a betrayal, a surrender to ideological extremism at the expense of common sense. As prices soar and refineries close, remember: this was a choice. And Democrats made it for you.
Sources for this article include:
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
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Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.