New York Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed "Cap and Invest" gas tax will hit working-class families hardest, raising the cost of fuel, heating, and everyday essentials, while doing nothing to address the affordability crisis she helped create. And her continued support for disastrous policies like cashless bail will further embolden criminals and leave New Yorkers fearful for their safety.

It’s starting to feel like an Empire State war on drivers.

Hochul’s anti-pollution push in her State of the State speech hikes home-heating costs and sends gas prices soaring by as much as 22 cents on the gallon. This as New York State has some of the highest gasoline prices in the country.

The increased tax include a sweeping “cap and invest” program which comes on the heels of a new $9 congestion toll to enter Manhattan, and if you stay over night there is an additional $2.50 fine. Hochul claims it reduces carbon emissions by forcing oil companies to pay for greenhouse gases, a move that the industry giants will pass onto consumers. Making it harder to get to work, home and visit New York.

Companies will have to raise the price of petroleum products which includes cleaning products and home heating oils.

Proceeds from the plan would be used to fund green initiatives like electrifying buildings in the latest push by the administration against fossil fuel companies even as some worry it’s residents who will be caught in the crosshairs. All while the price of electricity continues to get more expensive. Personally my electric bill has doubles and I’m using less electricity.

How is that, in December 2024, Hochul approved a controversial law that will force oil, natural-gas and coal companies to fork over a staggering $75 billion to the state for carbon emissions and allegedly contributing to climate change. All this increases the cost of all utilities to NYS residents.

Now add onto of that Hochul’s Cap and Invest and motorists will pay an extra 12 cents a gallon at the pump in 2026 and 22 cents per gallon as soon as 2027. This translates to consumers and businesses paying more for home heating fuels including natural gas, propane and oil.

The results force New York drivers currently pay the ninth highest gas prices in the country, and the cap and investment program would boost it into sixth place.

Gasoline prices could increase by 62 cents per gallon while natural gas costs would skyrocket by 80%, former state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos stated. That is unsustainable for average New Yorkers.

This what other states are planning to do as well. Much like California and their absurd regulations, the impact to other states that follow these oppressive legislations include Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington state, Colorado and many other states. New York has officially become California.

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Lauren Fix, The Car Coach is a nationally recognized automotive expert, media guest, journalist, author, keynote speaker and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and safety issues for both the auto industry and consumers. Her analysis is honest and straightforward.