The Daily Wire opinion piece argues California's low carbon fuel standard operates like a gas tax that funds electric vehicle rebates. It points to a new program offering up to $120,000 per electric truck, backed by more than $1 billion through 2030. The article says the money comes from LCFS credit costs that refiners pass on to drivers, not from ratepayer funds as the program claims. The piece cites California estimates of 47 cents per gallon added in 2025 and $1.15 after 2030, with independent analysis closer to $1.50 by 2035. It says the program has collected about $22 billion from gasoline and diesel sales. Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, and Hawaii have adopted similar policies, and seven more states are considering them. For anyone following carbon intensity standards, fuel credit markets, or EV subsidy design, this is a useful look at how the money flows and who ends up paying.
