SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / August 14, 2025 / As Californians prepare for the Labor Day weekend - traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year - many families are facing a harsh reality: Road trips are becoming more expensive than ever.
The price of fuel across the state remains among the highest in the nation, with drivers paying well over the national average per gallon. For working families and retirees who rely on their vehicles for summer getaways, the cost of filling up is hitting hard. California's own Public Policy Institute has found that households in the state's bottom 20% of income spend about 16% of their earnings on gas alone, leaving little room in the budget for vacations.
Beyond high gas prices, state energy mandates are also adding financial strain. Policies aimed at phasing out gas-powered vehicles and shifting toward electric alternatives are increasing costs for transportation, lodging, and recreational activities. Families are being forced to make tough choices: cancel trips, shorten them or cut back on other essentials because of what it costs just to get on the road.
Even RV owners, once the symbol of road trip freedom, are feeling squeezed by fuel costs and looming restrictions on gas and diesel vehicles.
As RV enthusiasts Brian and Elizabeth Ochoa note: "Our RV isn't just a vehicle, it's part of our family. It has carried us on countless journeys with everything we need. But California's energy mandates threaten to end that legacy. If gas-powered RVs are phased out, the freedom and connection our family has built on the open road may be left behind."
Consumers and advocacy groups are urging state leaders to make sure California's energy policies don't drive up costs so much that families can no longer afford to travel, visit loved ones or keep up their travel traditions.
The latest blog post from Levanta Tu Voz - "Is California's Energy Agenda Putting Your Summer Road Trip at Risk?" - explores how the state's energy mandates may unintentionally impact summer road trips and long-standing family traditions.
To learn more about Levanta Tu Voz and explore how California's energy policies may affect your family trips and traditions, visit https://levantatuvoz.org.
About Levanta Tu Voz
Levanta Tu Voz (Raise Your Voice) is a program of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) created to empower voices of the Latino community across California. Efforts to improve air quality and fight climate change are important but will only work if the solutions are affordable for everyone. Even though Latinos will be disproportionately impacted by a rushed energy transition, Latino voices are often absent from discussions on energy and climate issues. WSPA has been working with - and listening to - the Latino community to co-create a program where Latino voices and perspectives can be part of the energy and climate conversation.
Contact Information
Rosenda Somoza
rsomoza@theaxisagency.com
(213) 808-3987
SOURCE: Levanta Tu Voz
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire