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Paul Fix III, an automotive journalist with Car Coach Reports, shed light on the motivations behind this impending gas price hike. Recent legislative changes signed by former President Trump have removed California's authority to mandate certain aspects of gas-powered vehicle sales. Originally, California had set regulations to phase out the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2030, a move that faced backlash leading to congressional intervention.
As a retaliation to losing regulatory powers, California is pursuing economic measures to compel residents toward electric and hybrid vehicles. The proposed 65-cent gas tax is a strategic maneuver aimed at discouraging the use of gas vehicles and nudging consumers toward alternatives.