California governor signs E15 bill; Ag group express thanks

Oct. 3, 2025:

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) praised (Oct. 2, 2025) California Governor Gavin Newsom for signing Assembly Bill 30 into law, legislation that opens the door for retailers across California to sell E15. With this action, California – the nation’s largest motor fuel market – joins the rest of the country and will now be open to E15, a proven fuel, helping consumers save money at the pump while lowering emissions.

“California’s approval of E15 is a milestone for the U.S. fuel market,” said Ron Lamberty, ACE CMO. “For more than a decade, drivers have safely used E15 to save at the pump while reducing emissions further than the standard 10% blend. Retailers have proven E15 works for their customers and since most of them already have E15 compatible tanks, lines and dispensers, it works for their businesses, too. California retailers can now finally offer nearly all drivers an option to help combat the state’s high fuel prices. We commend Assemblymembers David Alvarez, Heath Flora, and other state leaders and bill sponsors who helped advance AB 30 to expand the use of higher ethanol blends.”

To support retailers nationwide who are considering offering E15, ACE recently launched its E15 Cost Calculator, available at flexfuelforward.com. Along with the site’s Flex Check compatibility tool and advice from retailers who have successfully and profitably added E15 and flex fuels to their sites, marketers can evaluate the economic costs and advantages of adding E15 and other higher ethanol blends.

“With California now on board, momentum for E15 is stronger than ever,” Lamberty added. “The future of the U.S. fuel market includes higher ethanol blends, and the next step is ensuring year-round, nationwide access to E15, so retailers can make changes without worrying about having to switch fuel offerings during the busiest time of their year, and drivers everywhere can rely on low-cost E15 being available every time they pull up to the pump.”

Oct. 2, 2025:

The Renewable Fuels Association Thursday (Oct. 2, 2025) applauded California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing Assembly Bill 30 into law. AB30, which passed unanimously out of both the Assembly and Senate, immediately legalizes lower-cost E15 (gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol) in the Golden State.

Prior to today, California was the only remaining state in the nation where E15 sales were not allowed.

“Thanks to Gov. Newsom’s leadership and decisive action, California is on the road to lower gas prices and a cleaner future for families across the state,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Many other states have already seen the benefits of E15—healthier air, better engine performance, and cost savings at the pump. Now, California drivers are about to experience those same advantages for themselves, and we thank Gov. Newsom for voicing his support for E15 throughout the legislative process. We likewise thank the bipartisan California Problem Solvers Caucus and the bill sponsors, Assemblymembers David Alvarez and Heath Flora, for working to open the California fuel marketplace to more affordable, cleaner options.”

Last year, Gov. Newsom directed the California Air Resources Board to expedite its review of E15, stating, “There’s massive potential for this to be a win-win for Californians: lowering gas prices by up to twenty cents per gallon while keeping our air clean.” Newsom also included funding for E15 regulatory approval in his 2025-2026 budget request, and the measure was incorporated in the state’s final adopted budget in June.

Recent studies show E15 could save California drivers $2.7 billion annually, or $200 per household, and significantly cut the emissions of tailpipe pollutants that create smog and contribute to illness and disease.

The Renewable Fuels Association has been leading the effort to secure E15 approval in California for the past seven years, Cooper noted—beginning with the 2018 initiation of a multimedia evaluation of E15 in collaboration with the California Air Resources Board and other ethanol industry stakeholders. While California’s 2025-2026 state budget includes funding for CARB to complete the E15 approval process, AB30 allows the fuel to be sold while CARB’s work progresses.

In an effort partnering with the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance, the major statewide trade association representing the entire downstream fuel supply chain, RFA is hosting a series of E15 educational workshops for California fuel marketers, equipment suppliers, and others in the supply chain who are interested in making lower-cost, cleaner-burning E15 available to drivers.

California governor signs E15 bill; Ag group express thanks

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