Wine country estates, ocean views, seven-figure bank accounts, and free vacations—things most of us will never experience as “normal.”  Most Californians don’t have the luxury of luxury. We don’t live in the ivory towers of Marin or the mansions above Berkeley. Many of us are barely getting by in a California so expensive that even a morning coffee has become an indulgence. For the cabal of rich appointed bureaucrats and heirs of big oil aristocrats in the Governor’s Office and the Air Resources Board, the world is simply a different place. And soon, so will ours be, but not in the way we’d hope. This Friday, the Air Board—an unelected group appointed by Newsom—plans to push through a major gas price hike of at least 65 cents per gallon by expanding the state’s Low Carbon Fuels Standard free program, slapping even more fees onto every gallon of gasoline in California. They’re pushing it through right after the election, hoping no one will notice. It’s nothing short of price gouging by Newsom, hitting Californians where it hurts the most. It’s an economic blow that will cripple our communities: workers will struggle to afford their commutes, prices for goods will skyrocket, and families will have to cut back on even the simplest outings. California gas prices are already $1.47 higher than the national average, and after this vote, we could see a $2.12 gap. Researchers predict that by 2035, this regulation alone could drive up California’s gas prices to $3 higher than the rest of the country. But why would Gavin Newsom and his band of Bay Area elites do such a thing? Here’s the kicker: it’s all by design.  Newsom mandated California’s transition to 100% electric vehicles (EVs) by 2035. The problem is, everyday Californians don’t want battery cars and can’t afford the $58,000 price tag without major debt. This isn’t about cleaner air or affordable energy; it’s about forcing us into submission. Rather than risk his authoritarian mandate failing, Newsom told his cronies at the Air Board to “up their game.” Their plan? Make gas prices so high that Californians are forced into EVs.  Instead of acknowledging the financial burden his edict places on Californians, he’s using price gouging to coerce us into compliance, ensuring a political “win” for himself as he eyes higher office. Meanwhile, the rest of us—those not living in ivory towers—struggle to pay the price or flee the state entirely like so many already have. This strategy betrays those he claims to represent. Through taxes, fees, and regulations, the Newsom Administration engineered today’s sky-high gas prices and the economic hardship that follows. They’re not even denying it. The Board’s economic adviser admitted, “If we want Californians to stop using gasoline, we are going to have to make it more expensive than the alternatives.” It doesn’t end there. Newsom’s top co-conspirator, Air Board Chair Liane Randolph, recently refused to deny the scheme when confronted on the issue by reporters.  From the state’s costly and ineffective cap-and-trade program to Newsom’s farcical ads claiming an ‘assault on big oil’ to his latest bill that has already forced one refinery in California to close with two more on the brink, each move fits a broader agenda: force gas prices up and strong-arm Californians into his EV mandate. Related Articles Commentary | California emissions proposal would devastate Arizona, Nevada, U.S. economy — and the environment Commentary | State and local debt in California is over half a trillion dollars Commentary | Armstrong Williams: Vote and respect the process, regardless of the outcome Commentary | Crime debate misses key point: Police have more resources, but are solving fewer crimes Commentary | Donald Trump is not thoughtful enough to be a fascist Newsom’s so-called “assault on big oil” conveniently ignores his connections with oil barons, who bankrolled his campaigns, took him on luxury safaris, and filled his coffers since his early days in politics. After reaping oil wealth’s rewards, he’s desperate to rebrand himself as its foe—all while his policies push refinery closures and drive gas prices even higher. Don’t be fooled by Newsom and his circle of corrupt cronies. They have one goal: to drive up gas prices by any means necessary, forcing Californians to buy EVs and giving Newsom a political victory he can parade as he eyes the White House at the end of a governorship lacking notable accomplishments. But his political victory comes at a high cost— paid by hardworking Californians who bear the brunt of his ambitions.  Brian W. Jones serves as the California Senate Minority Leader and represents the 40th Senate District which includes portions of the City and County of San Diego.