California Clears Final Hurdle for E15 Gasoline Sale
California has become the final state to allow the sale of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol, after Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 795. The bill received unanimous approval from state senators and aims to cut red tape while maintaining environmental and safety standards.
The decision is expected to benefit ethanol producers and corn growers, with an estimated increase in annual demand of 650 million gallons. Wholesaling at about $2.30 a gallon, ethanol is anticipated to generate significant cost savings compared to regular gasoline.
California gas prices are among the highest in the nation, averaging around $6.14 per gallon, compared to the national average of $4.44. The Renewable Fuels Association estimates that E15 could lower retail gasoline prices by about 20 cents per gallon, saving California drivers at least $2.7 billion annually.