It seems they've always had these high standards when it comes to "environmental issues". I remember taking orders for car parts and searching through the catalog I found that the catalytic converters required for cars there are more expensive and are supposed to be "better" than what is required in other states (if even).
however im sure california squanders the gas tax revenue on bullshit like infringing on personal freedoms and corrupt government contracts. Not where it actually needs to be spent.
Or enforcing bans on backyard cookouts or giving free syringes to heroin addicts.