California is on track to adopt major regulations over the next few months that have the potential to drive businesses out of the state, result in job losses, increase the cost of living – including food, utilities, and housing costs – and create major declines in economic activity. But, Governor Newsom seems much more interested in Florida, Texas and other states, so we need to get his attention in the places he seems to care about the most. Maybe then he will think a bit about what his programs are doing to California’s communities and careers.  Consider this:

• The Governor’s ban on selling new gas-powered and hybrid cars starts in just four years, well before we have an electrical grid that can charge all the new EVs and keep our lights on or before we have affordable EVs that work for all Californians.
• He has implemented a de-facto oil production ban in the state by holding back permits, and he is set to phase out all production in the state over the next few years, making our state and nation more dependent on foreign oil.
• The first $1.30 Californians pay at the pump goes to taxes and regulatory fees and the programs he is mandating on our residents will only drive those costs even higher.

In a state responsible for only 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Governor Newsom’s climate policies have become more aggressive and more regressive, usually dictated by coastal affluent regions to the detriment of the rest of California’s communities struggling to make ends meet in the third most expensive state to live.

Newsom’s Bans Are Coming For You

What Newsom is doing in California may also be imposed on about 40% of the drivers in the nation. Fourteen states have adopted policies on fuels and vehicles to match California’s regulations without relying on the public to vote. Newsom’s bans, executive orders and mandates will impact drivers and families throughout the nation and they will have no say or chance to vote on these policies.

Climate solutions should be available to all Californians, not just to those that can afford electric vehicles, new appliances, and rooftop solar power. To lessen the impacts on those that can least afford it, climate policies must be cost-effective, technology-neutral and protect the state’s skilled and trained workforce. Lawmakers must recognize that California alone cannot solve climate change and that affordable policies and technologies are more likely to be adopted by other governments and broad stakeholder participation. Getting it right will take courage from policy makers and regulators to think creatively, make adjustments, and stand up against costly and harmful policies.

Television Ad

Miami Herald Ad