Web Version [link removed] | Update Preferences [link removed] [link removed] New LCFS Tracker Reveals Rising Pump Prices Amid Regulatory Shifts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SACRAMENTO — The Center for Jobs and the Economy is proud to unveil its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Tracker, now featured in its monthly California Energy Price Data report [[link removed]]. This innovative tool helps inform policymakers and businesses with clear, up-to-date insights into how LCFS-related costs are influencing fuel prices across the state.
“Our new LCFS Tracker shines a light on the tangible cost of regulatory change, right where Californians feel it most—at the gas pump,” said Brooke Armour, President of the Center for Jobs and the Economy. “The 5-cent rise in LCFS-related cost aligns almost exactly with the 4-cent statewide increase in gasoline—a clear signal that these policies are having immediate and measurable effects. The LCFS tracker is an invaluable tool to quantify the impacts of regulations on California residents, who are already faced with the highest cost-of-living in the nation.”
Key Highlights from August 2025 Energy Price Data [[link removed]]
Sharp Move in LCFS Costs: As a result of the new LCFS rules, charges integrated into gasoline prices rose by 5 cents per gallon in August. Diesel costs remained flat for LCFS, though marginal increases were observed due to Cap-and-Trade components. LCFS Costs Still Moderated by Banked Credits: While LCFS costs are moving higher, the full cost impact of the new regulations is being moderated by the 40+ million banked credits. As this inventory is exhausted, LCFS costs are likely to go much higher. Gas Prices Jump in California: Regular gasoline prices in California increased by 4 cents, compared with just a 1-cent uptick nationally. Premium Over Other States Widens: The average price for a gallon of regular gas in California hit $4.55, $1.49 higher than the $3.06 average in other states—a 48.6% premium. California maintained its rank as the most expensive contiguous state for gasoline, with a gap of $1.85 per gallon compared to Mississippi, the lowest-price state. Diesel Prices Also Leading the Nation: Diesel in California averaged $5.13 per gallon, making it the priciest in the contiguous U.S. The state-specific premium here was $1.53, or 42.6% above the non-California average.
What the LCFS Tracker Adds
The LCFS Tracker brings several advancements:
Current LCFS pricing: Tracks LCFS charges separate from Cap-and-Trade components, helping isolate the direct influence of LCFS policy. Transparent monthly comparisons: Users can monitor how LCFS costs evolve over time, correlated against shifts in statewide fuel prices. Enhanced policy analysis: Policymakers, analysts, and the public now have a clearer understanding of how LCFS regulations translate into real-world consumer costs. The California Center for Jobs and the Economy provides an objective and definitive source of information pertaining to job creation and economic trends in California. [[link removed]] Contact 1301 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916.553.4093 If you no longer wish to receive these emails, select here to unsubscribe. [link removed]
