Comment Log Display

November 8, 2024

NFIB Testimony before the California Air Resources Board meeting on
November 8, 2024, in Riverside, submitted to
ww2.arb.ca.gov/applications/public-comments

Good afternoon, Tim Taylor with the National Federation of
Independent Business.

First of all, I'd like to thank Judy Nottoli with CARB, who does a
great job in her role of reaching out and engaging with the
business community, including NFIB.  

California's economic engine is fueled in large part by small
businesses. Over 95% of all businesses are small businesses and
they generate about half of the country's GDP.  

I want to be clear that we are not opposed to the greenhouse gas
emissions goals of the state, but the choice today is not one of
endorsing a zero-emissions, electrification of the state, it's one
of subsidizing bio-fuels.   

When we speak with our small business members throughout
California, they express great concerns about the cost increases
associated with these LCFS proposed amendments. Specifically, they
cite the potentially massive gasoline price hikes and the adverse
impacts those increases will have on their businesses and the
rippling effect it will have on all Californians, without actually
improving the air quality of the state.     

Originally CARB had indicated that these amendments could increase
prices at the pump by some 47 cents a gallon. Later, CARB revised
that number, which seems to have been confirmed today, and
indicated that the cost increase may be negligible. What changed? 
What is the new methodology or inputs that account for that
revision?

Currently, California pays the highest prices for gasoline at the
pump--about a $1.69 over the national average. Tacking on an
additional 50 cents to that number would be crushing to small
businesses.  

Employees and employers who already face inflationary hardships and
soaring rents would find their already expensive commutes even more
economically challenging.  

Additionally, the downstream economic impact on the entire supply
chain could be staggering, further driving up the costs of goods
and services throughout California. 

It's challenging to understand how these amendments will improve
the lives of Californians.  NFIB believes that these amendments
will not improve our air quality but will certainly exacerbate the
economic woes of our small business owners and their employees.  

NFIB respectfully asks for a no vote on these proposed amendments. 
 

Sincerely, 
 
Tim Taylor
Legislative Director
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)