Archive for the ‘State of California’ Category

Fact check: Claims swirling on CA gas tax increase to 61.2 cents per gallon July 1

Monday, June 30th, 2025

A legislatively mandated and voter-approved gas tax increase of 1.6 cents and updated fuel standards that could, according to experts, translate to 5 to 8 cents not 65 cents per gallon

What you need to know: There are many disingenuous claims swirling about California gas prices “set to soar” – the truth is that gas prices won’t come anywhere close to increasing by 65 cents, as many would have you believe.  

By Office of the California Governor

SACRAMENTO – California gas prices are 20 cents lower than one month ago and 17 cents lower than one year ago – despite a swirl of misinformation drawing attention to current prices.

According to a 2024 report, thanks to major improvements in fuel efficiency, California drivers rank 45th in the nation for gasoline consumption and 21st in spending on gasoline per capita. Trump’s tariffs and policies impacting the price of crude oil stand to swing gas prices far more than any state policy. 

Driven by misinformation pushed by Republican lawmakers and the oil industry, there remains a lot of speculation about California gas prices. Here are the facts.

CLAIM: California gas prices will go up by 65 cents or higher on July 1. 

FALSE. There are two separate changes to fuel prices expected on or around July 1 – a legislatively mandated and voter-approved gas tax increase of 1.6 cents and updated fuel standards that could, according to experts, translate to 5 to 8 cents

  • Gas tax: California’s gasoline tax will increase by 1.6 cents per gallon, starting July 1, as required by law. This annual inflation increase was enacted by the Legislature in 2017 to help pay for road repairs – and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2018 when they rejected a repeal attempt. 
  • Fuel standard: Additionally, changes to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) – which is not a tax – have been requested to go into effect on July 1. Experts at UC Davis estimate this program, first established by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, could add between 5 and 8 cents per gallon – well below one extreme projection that showed 65 cents. In the long term, LCFS is estimated to reduce fuel costs for Californians per mile by 42% – translating to savings of over $20 billion in gasoline costs every year by 2045. Studies also show that LCFS credit prices have no correlation with gasoline prices.

CLAIM: Gas prices could top $8 a gallon by next year.  

FALSE. That number – widely reported in the media – comes from an unscientific analysis whose author has close ties with the oil industry and has been on the payroll of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The author fails to provide evidence to support his main claim and only relies on vague references to models with no details on what those models are based on. Other experts, such as these Stanford economists, say gas price increases based on recent refinery announcements are likely to be negligible.

CalTax Says Gas Tax Will Increase to 61.2 Cents per Gallon

According to the California Taxpayers Association, California’s excise tax on gasoline will increase to 61.2 cents per gallon July 1, an increase of 1.6 cents per gallon over the current rate of 59.6 cents per gallon, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration announced June 4.

The tax rate on diesel fuel – a matter of great interest for many businesses, especially those in the trucking and agricultural industries – will increase from 45.4 cents per gallon to 46.6 cents per gallon, likely leading to higher costs for consumers for many goods and services.

The tax increases are in addition to any other increases that may be imposed as a result of fuel standards developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Increases resulting from CARB actions also would take effect July 1.

The gas tax rate has more than doubled during the past 10 years. The largest year-to-year increase occurred in 2017 as a result of SB 1 (Chapter 5, Statutes of 2017), which increased gas tax by 12 cents per gallon and increased the diesel tax by 20 cents per gallon (both effective November 1, 2017) and required that the rates be adjusted annually based on the California Consumer Price Index.

Although Californians often mention vehicle-related taxes as a topic of major concern – and cited an increase in the vehicle license tax as a major factor in their decision to recall Governor Gray Davis in 2003 – the CDTFA did not issue a news release or use its social media channels to alert the media or general public to the increase. Instead, the increase was posted on the agency’s website as a special notice to retailers of gas and diesel fuels.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Opinion: Birth certificate lies? New CA bill lets minors rewrite reality—without parental consent

Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

By Greg Burt, VP, California Family Council

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California legislature continues to disregard the rights of parents and ignore their religious beliefs regarding their children with the introduction of AB 1084, a bill that expedites the process for changing a person’s name and sex on official documents—including birth certificates and marriage licenses—based on “gender identity” rather than biological reality.

While author Assemblyman Rick Zbur (D-Beverly Hills) says the bill is a necessary response to efforts making it “harder for transgender people to live safely and openly as their authentic selves,” it is in fact a profound assault on both truth and parental rights. AB 1084 is not just another procedural update. “Not only does it further legitimize the false idea that sex is a choice,” said Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council. “But it’s designed to sideline the very people God has charged with the care and guidance of children: their parents.”

Biological Reality Can’t Be Legislated Away

A person cannot change their sex. Sex is not “assigned at birth”—it is observed and recorded. It is an immutable, biological reality encoded in every cell of our bodies. It is not up for revision with a court order or a fill-in-the-blank on a government form.

But AB 1084 expedites this legal fiction, compelling courts to issue approval for name and sex changes to reflect not biological sex, but subjective gender identity within two weeks. 

The Real Target: Parental Authority

While the entire premise of the bill is flawed, its most egregious offense is against parents.

AB 1084 claims to honor parental rights by requiring both living parents to approve a minor’s request to change their name and sex on legal documents. But this is a bait and switch. If one parent objects, the court will only consider the objection valid if it demonstrates “good cause.” And what is explicitly not good cause? Belief in biological sex.

You read that right. Under AB 1084, a court must disregard a parent’s objection if it is based on the belief that their child’s proposed gender identity does not align with their biological sex. In other words, if you believe—scientifically, morally, or religiously—that sex is binary and unchangeable, your views are disqualified from legal consideration.
Here is how the text of the bill explains it: “(D) A hearing date shall not be set in the proceeding unless an objection is timely filed and shows good cause for opposing the name change. Objections based solely on concerns that the proposed change is not the petitioner’s actual gender identity or gender assigned at birth shall not constitute good cause.”

This isn’t just bad policy. It’s discriminatory, unconstitutional, and tyrannical.

A Constitutional Crisis

The U.S. Supreme Court has long upheld the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. In Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), the Court declared: “The child is not the mere creature of the state.” And in Troxel v. Granville (2000), the Court reaffirmed that “the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children… is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.”

Yet AB 1084 places the state as arbiter of a child’s identity over and above the rights of parents. It effectively says: “Parents, you can raise your child—unless your views clash with state-endorsed gender ideology.”

This is an ideological test for parental rights. And it must be resisted.

A Slippery and Dangerous Precedent

Once the state arrogates to itself the power to nullify parental objections rooted in deeply held religious or biological convictions, where does it stop?

  • Will it override a parent’s objection to irreversible medical procedures?
  • Will it compel schools to keep secrets from parents about their children’s gender identity?
  • Will it use the denial of “affirmation” as grounds to remove children from their homes

A False Solution to Real Pain

The advocates of AB 1084 claim that this bill is about protecting transgender and nonbinary individuals from discrimination. But true compassion never requires us to lie. A government that redefines reality to affirm feelings is not protecting anyone—it’s merely swapping one kind of harm for another.

Children, especially minors struggling with gender confusion, need truth, not affirmation of delusion. They need wise, loving guidance—especially from parents, not judges. By empowering minors to legally alter their identity with minimal pushback, California encourages life-altering decisions without adequate reflection or maturity.

And these changes are not harmless. Once legal documents are changed, it can set off a domino effect leading to puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries—often before a child’s brain is even fully developed.

What Must Be Done

California Family Council stands firmly opposed to AB 1084 and any law that undermines biological truth and parental authority. We urge the legislature to reject this bill and call on citizens to raise their voices in protest.

We are also calling on constitutional lawyers and religious liberty advocates to prepare challenges to this legislation should it pass. It will not stand the test of judicial scrutiny—and it certainly will not stand the test of time.

Bill Status

This bill has already passed the Assembly Judiciary and Health Committees and now sits in the Assembly Appropriations Committee Suspense File.  On May 23 the committee will announce its decision on whether the bill progresses to the full Assembly for a vote. 

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.

Antioch Charter Academy II honored as state 2025 Civic Learning Award school

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

Only recipient in Contra Costa County

SACRAMENTO—Thirty-four California schools have been named recipients of the 2025 Civic Learning Awards, honoring and recognizing measurable schoolwide achievements in civics. The award program, now in its twelfth year, is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.

“When young people advocate and raise their voices, they have the power to drive meaningful change in their communities,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “Education is fundamental to achieving our democratic ideals, and these schools have played an exceptional role in shaping the leaders of the future.”

“I find these award applications truly inspiring—each one is deserving of recognition,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. “They highlight the powerful stories of committed educators who, despite the challenges, are finding creative ways to ensure students can fully engage with and understand civics.”

Since their inception in 2013, the awards have been presented more than 500 times to traditional, charter, and magnet schools. In recent years, community schools and continuation schools have submitted high-ranking applications. This year, a court school applied for the first time. 

Applications are reviewed and scored by a panel of judges comprised of representatives from the California courts and the California Department of Education (CDE) who are not tied to counties or districts in the pool. 

In addition to the information provided by the applicant, points are added for schools in districts with Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) that include terms and actions associated with civic learning. Applicants also earn points for participating in the Judges in the Classroom program and for creating processes and criteria related to the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

Middle School: Antioch Charter Academy II earned a 2025 Civic Learning Award of Distinction

Award of Distinction in 2017; Award of Merit in 2018

Antioch | Contra Costa County

Antioch Unified School District

The Civic Learning Awards began in 2013 and are part of the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, which includes other programs such as Judges in the Classroom. More information is available on the CDE Civic Learning Award for California Public Schools web page.

Additional resources to support civic learning and engagement are available on the CDE Resources to Support Civic Engagement web page and the CDE State Seal of Civic Engagement web page.

Antioch Council to hold special Thursday meeting on homeless program funding

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Will fund conversion of Comfort Inn to rehabilitation project

City commitment required for state funded operating subsidy

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch City Council will hold another special meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025. This one will be for discussing a financial commitment for the state’s Homekey+ Program to serve the city’s homeless residents. The matter is time sensitive as the State begins its Award Announcements this month. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

NOFA means Notice of Funds Availability. Source: CA Dept of Housing and Community Development

According to the City staff report for the one-item agenda, “It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the submission of an application with California Supportive Housing for the Homekey+ Program and designate City Manager to execute commitments for city capital match up to $750,000 and operating subsidy up to $1,200,000 annually for 5 years with two five year extensions contingent on the property meeting the required Homekey+ guidelines and affordable housing regulatory agreement and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.”

Will Fund Conversion of Comfort Inn to Rehabilitation Project

“The City Staff is proposing a co-application with the Developer that seeks funding to acquire 2436 Mahogany Way (currently the Comfort Inn) in Antioch and undertake the rehabilitation necessary for the motel rooms to serve as permanent housing for homeless families/individuals with prior behavioral health issues.

“The CSH Mahagony Housing Project will be a rehabilitation project which will turn the current hotel into 60-85 affordable units and one two-bedroom manager unit. Each apartment will have a kitchenette, living room, bathroom, and bedroom. Non-residential conversion of the interior will include a community lounge, property management offices, resident supportive services and case management offices. One existing laundry room and the electrical room will maintain those functions, while rooms will be converted to resident services/case management and property management offices. It is also planned to keep the existing security fences, gates, and trash enclosure. Additional fencing will be added to property.

“Project Developer: California Supportive Housing (CSH) is the Project Developer. CSH is a mission-oriented 501 (c)(3) nonprofit California corporation dedicated to bringing affordable housing to people in need, including homeless, seniors, youth, people with disabilities, and families. The CSH team has over 35 years of experience in affordable housing development and is currently working on a HomeKey project in Oakland which is the conversion and renovation of a motel into 104 permanent supportive housing units for the homeless.”

About Homekey+ Program

According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the state’s Homekey+ Program is funded by Proposition 1, which was “passed by California voters in March 2024…to reduce homelessness and protect our most vulnerable populations through important changes to the Mental Health Services Act and providing up to $6.4 billion in bond funding to develop and expand behavioral health treatment, residential care settings, and Permanent Supportive Housing.”

“Approximately $2 billion of the Proposition 1 bond funds will be administered by the…HCD, in collaboration with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) as the Homekey+ program (HK+), expanding upon the successful Homekey model. The remaining $4.4 billion of the Proposition 1 funding will be administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to award competitive grants to construct, acquire, and rehabilitate real estate assets or invest in needed infrastructure to expand the behavioral health continuum of treatment and service resources.”

Learn more about the Homekey+ Program at Homekey Plus Program Overview.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 200 ‘H’ Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

CA seizes over $316 million of unlicensed cannabis products in in first 3 months of 2025

Tuesday, April 15th, 2025
Source: CA Dept of Cannabis Control video screenshots

Enforcement efforts continue to focus on operations that ultimately support the licensed market and community safety

By Moorea Warren, Information Officer, California Department of Cannabis Control

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that over $316M worth of illegal cannabis was seized in the first quarter of 2025 through the combined efforts of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The continued success of California’s enforcement operations demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety and the integrity of the legal cannabis market. 

Combined key highlights from January 1 to March 31, 2025 include:

  • 212,681 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
  • 120,307 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • 99 warrants served
  • 35 firearms seized
  • 29 arrests
  • $474,462 cash seized

“This task force continues to make impressive progress disrupting illegal cannabis operators and their supply chain,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “UCETF’s accomplishments demonstrate the dedication of all agencies involved in the taskforce.”

UCETF seized a total of $67,258,232 worth of unlicensed cannabis during the first quarter of the year. The taskforce’s enforcement efforts also included:

  • 19 search warrants served
  • 77,923 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
  • 40,747 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • $330,808 cash seized

Agencies involved in UCETF’s first quarter enforcement actions include Department of Cannabis Control, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Park, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Employment Development Department, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Oakland Fire Department, City of Oakland Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, and California Air National Guard.  

DFW’s enforcement efforts for Q1 2025 include:

  • $97,476,308 worth of illegal cannabis seized
  • 47 search warrants served
  • 101,473 illegal plants eradicated
  • 8,340 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • 11 firearms seized
  • arrests
  • $27,073 in cash seized

DCC’s enforcement efforts for Q1 2025 include:

  • $151,752,966 worth of illegal cannabis seized
  • 33 warrants served
  • 33,285 illegal plants eradicated
  • 71,220 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
  • 24 firearms seized
  • 20 arrests
  • $116,581 in cash seized

“We remain unwavering in our aggressive, strategic approach to reducing illicit cannabis activity,” stated Bill Jones, Chief of DCC’s Law Enforcement Division. “By staying ahead of the threats and swiftly dismantling illegal operations, we are driving up the cost of doing business for bad actors and delivering on our commitment to protect California’s communities and the legitimate industry.”

Caltrans work on Antioch bridge to continue March 17-21

Friday, March 14th, 2025
Source: Caltrans

One-way traffic control for maintenance work.

Expect delays & follow flaggers.

Contra Costa County— Caltrans’ scheduled one-way traffic control on the Antioch John A. Nejedly Bridge (SR-160) to continue Monday March 17th from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Southbound SR-160 from the North End of the bridge to the Antioch Toll Plaza will be closed daily from from March 17-21, 2025. Traffic will be able to flow Southbound in the Northbound Lane when clear by flaggers holding traffic coming Northbound at the South End of the Bridge.
The closure will extend the entire length of the bridge.

A pilot car will be implemented and the speed will be restricted to 25 mph in the work zone.

Caltrans will turn on Changeable Message Signs (CMS) to notify the public ahead of time.
For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Antioch’s Bidwell High honored among state’s 2025 Model Continuation High Schools

Wednesday, February 19th, 2025

One of 74 out of 429 in California

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 74 schools throughout the state were recognized as Model Continuation High Schools (MCHS) for 2025. These schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services. Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education.

Four of those schools are located in Contra Costa County:
• Antioch Unified School District, Bidwell High School in Antioch
• Mount Diablo Unified School District, Olympic High School in Concord
• San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Del Amigo High in San Ramon
• West Contra Costa School District, Sylvester Greenwood Academy in Richmond

“Today, we celebrate 74 commendable schools for their tremendous efforts as alternative campuses of learning,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “The priority of our Model Continuation High Schools is to give students more than a diploma. The teachers and administrators aim to provide students with a student-centered approach that meets their diverse academic, social, and emotional needs and opportunities to explore options beyond high school, preparing students for the future whether they choose to pursue further education or join the workforce.”

Currently, there are 429 continuation high schools who serve close to 49,000 students throughout the state. MCHSs excel and provide exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success.

The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program is a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus). Schools operate their own exemplary programs, but Model Continuation High School–recognized educators commit to supporting and mentoring their peers in other local educational agencies.

The 74 schools selected as Model Continuation High Schools retain their designation for three years. They will be recognized at the CCEA Plus 2025 State Conference in April. For more information on continuation education, please visit the CDE Continuation Education web page.

UPDATE: In a post on the Antioch Unified School District’s Facebook page on Thursday, Feb. 20, AUSD Director of Secondary Schools Lindsay Wisely was quoted as saying, “Bidwell High School has an array of programs that provide students with academic support, college/career exposure, and mental health resources. The educators and outstanding principal provide students with an exceptional small school experience. Students who attend there are proud of their campus.”

The post also included, “Big congrats to Principal LaTanya Williams and staff for continuing to serve their students so well.”

About Bidwell High School
Bidwell High School is one of two continuation high schools in the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD), serving students in grades 10 through 12, ages 16-18 years old. The purpose of Bidwell is to provide students who are deficient in credits with an alternative opportunity to improve their academic skills as they work toward graduating with their class.

Students typically have a four-period day, but more periods can be added based on a student’s proven commitment to quality work and a student’s particular graduation status. Grades and credits are issued on a quarterly basis. Almost all schoolwork is completed in small classes under the direction of the instructor. A high school diploma may be earned by meeting the Antioch Unified School District’s credit requirement of 180 credits for continuation schools.

Bidwell works continuously to develop programs that offer a unique and nurturing environment that includes a small community setting, an individualized graduation plan developed and monitored for each student, staff with a high level of experience, and a diverse student population. To learn more visit www.antiochschools.net/o/bhs.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

DeSaulnier denounces U.S. Dep’t of Transportation’s upending electric vehicle use as “reckless”

Friday, February 7th, 2025
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. Official photo

Rescinds National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Guidance dated June 11, 2024, and all prior versions of this guidance

Congressman issues statement saying it, “leaves American drivers and consumers in the lurch.”

On Friday, February 7, 2025, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA10) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration suspended implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.

“The transportation sector is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Electric vehicles (EVs) are crucial to reducing GHG emissions and curbing the existential threat of climate change while also having the potential to save drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in gas money annually. Given the obvious benefits of EVs, it is in everyone’s best interest to make it easier for Americans to drive them.

As a former member of the California Air Resources Board and Chairman of the transportation committees in both the California State Assembly and the California State Senate, I have seen firsthand how California’s forward-looking policies on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation. That’s why I authored the Clean Corridors Act, which helped create and fund a $2.5 billion landmark new EV charging infrastructure program through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make hydrogen fuel cell and electric battery powered cars more accessible and affordable for Americans.

The decision by the Federal High Administration of the Department of Transportation to suspend approvals of State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans, which are required to receive NEVI funding, undoes the progress these two programs achieved, sets us back in the fight against climate change, and leaves American drivers and consumers in the lurch.

In 2024, China’s share of the global EV market grew to 76%, outpacing the U.S. in sales, and vastly surpassed the U.S. in number of public EV chargers with over 3.2 million public charge points. If the U.S. wants to be a leader in the transportation and energy sectors, we need a strong federal investment in electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure to meaningfully address climate change, help lower energy and transportation costs for Americans, and maintain global competitiveness. As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I urge the Secretary of Transportation to reverse this myopic and reckless decision.”

In a Feb. 6, 2025, letter to State Department of Transportation Directors, Emily Biondi, Associate Administrator of the Office of Planning, Environment and Realty wrote:

“The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administers several grant programs under which the applicable statutes require the Secretary to apportion grant funds to States under a prescribed statutory formula. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is one such program. Most statutory formula programs require the Secretary to make the prescribed apportionments to the States on a specific date and then make the funds available for obligation. See, e.g., 23 U.S.C. 104. The NEVI Formula Program, however, is unique in that this Program requires the Secretary to approve a plan for each State describing how the State intends to use its NEVI funds.1 The State plans are to be developed in accordance with guidance the Secretary provides on how States are to strategically deploy the electric vehicle (EV) charging network.2 The NEVI Formula Program requires the Secretary to approve each State’s plan prior to the obligation of NEVI Formula Program funds for each fiscal year.3

“The new leadership of the Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has decided to review the policies underlying the implementation of the NEVI Formula Program. Accordingly, the current NEVI Formula Program Guidance dated June 11, 2024, and all prior versions of this guidance are rescinded. The FHWA is updating the NEVI Formula Program Guidance to align with current U.S. DOT policy and priorities, including those set forth in DOT Order 2100.7, titled “Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in Department of Transportation Policies, Programs, and Activities.” The FHWA aims to have updated draft NEVI Formula Guidance published for public comment in the spring. After the public comment period has closed, FHWA will publish updated final NEVI Formula Guidance that responds to the comments received. As result of the rescission of the NEVI Formula Program Guidance, FHWA is also immediately suspending the approval of all State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment plans for all fiscal years.

“Therefore, effective immediately, no new obligations may occur under the NEVI Formula Program until the updated final NEVI Formula Program Guidance is issued and new State plans are submitted and approved. Instructions for the submission of new State plans for all fiscal years will be included in the updated final NEVI Formula Program Guidance. Since FHWA is suspending the existing State plans, States will be held harmless for not implementing their existing plans. Until new guidance is issued, reimbursement of existing obligations will be allowed in order to not disrupt current financial commitments.”

The letter includes the following footnotes and references:

1 See National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program provisos 4-9 of paragraph (2) under the Highway Infrastructure Programs heading in Title VIII, Division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58; November 15, 2021; 135 Stat.1422. See also Paragraph 5c of FHWA Notice N 4510.895 Apportionment of Fiscal Year 2025 Highway Infrastructure Program Funds for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as well as Paragraph 5c of FHWA Notices N 4510.863, N 4510.873, and N 4510.883 for the apportionments for Fiscal Years 22, 23 and 24, respectively.
2 See National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program provisos 14-15 of paragraph (2) under the Highway Infrastructure Programs heading in Title VIII, Division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117- 58; November 15, 2021; 135 Stat.1423.
3 See National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program provisos 4-9 of paragraph (2) under the Highway Infrastructure Programs heading in Title VIII, Division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58; November 15, 2021; 135 Stat.1422. See also Paragraph 5c of FHWA Notice N 4510.895 Apportionment of Fiscal Year 2025 Highway Infrastructure Program Funds for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as well as Paragraph 5c of FHWA Notices N 4510.863, N 4510.873, and N 4510.883 for the apportionments for Fiscal Years 22, 23 and 24, respectively.

DeSaulnier represents California’s 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives which includes portions of Antioch.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.