California drivers are about to get another choice at the gas pump after the state cleared the way for E15 gasoline, a fuel blend containing up to 15% ethanol. California signed Senate Bill 795 on Sept. 19, removing the final regulatory barrier that had prevented E15 from being sold in California. The move comes as gasoline prices remain extremely high, with California’s average price recently reaching about $6.14 per gallon, compared with roughly $4.44 nationally, according to Reuters.
What is E15 gasoline?
E15 is gasoline blended with 15% ethanol. It has already been available at thousands of stations across other parts of the country, but California had remained the only state that prohibited its sale.
The new law follows legislation passed last year that authorized E15 in California. SB 795 removes a regulatory obstacle that had slowed implementation, allowing the state to move forward with making the fuel available.
The potential savings are one of the biggest reasons the change is attracting attention. A study cited by California officials from UC Berkeley and the U.S. Naval Academy estimated that bringing E15 into the California market could reduce gasoline prices by up to 20 cents per gallon and potentially save motorists as much as $2.7 billion annually.
When could California drivers see E15?
The biggest question now is how quickly E15 gasoline becomes available at individual stations. California officials note that selling the fuel will require infrastructure changes at some retail gasoline locations. That means availability is likely to depend on individual stations and their ability to make the necessary upgrades. The change could nevertheless add another source of gasoline to California’s fuel market at a time when drivers are closely watching prices. “This common-sense bill cuts unnecessary red tape while maintaining our environmental and safety standards. We’re helping make E15 a real option for California drivers”. Governor Newsom said in the press release.
