California clears sales of higher-ethanol fuel to lower gasoline costs

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   California Legalizes E15 Fuel to Combat High Gasoline Prices

   Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill legalizing the sale of E15, a higher-ethanol fuel, to reduce gasoline costs for Californians as pump prices approach record highs. Newsom attributed the current price crisis to global oil market disruptions caused by Donald Trump's war with Iran. The move expands fuel options available to drivers in an effort to provide immediate financial relief. While California has now cleared these sales, other lawmakers continue to debate the implementation of year-round E15 sales on a broader scale.

   Why it matters

   E15 is a fuel blend containing 15 percent ethanol, which typically costs less to produce than standard gasoline. Efforts to make year-round E15 a reality nationwide have been pushed through legislative vehicles like the Farm Bill. This California legislation targets specific cost pressures on families during a period of high market volatility.

   What is confirmed

   • Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill legalizing E15 gasoline to help Californians save at the pump.
   • California gas prices are currently nearing record highs.
   • Governor Newsom stated that Donald Trump's war with Iran is disrupting global oil markets and driving up costs for families.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Lawmakers are debating the implementation of year-round sales of E15.
   • The push to include nationwide year-round E15 was led by members of GrowthEnergy in the Farm Bill.

   What to watch next

   • Evidence of actual price decreases at California pumps following E15 availability
   • Federal legislative action on nationwide year-round E15 sales in the Farm Bill
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. Reuters — California clears sales of higher-ethanol fuel to lower gasoline costs
   2. KSHB 41 Kansas City — Lawmakers debate year-round sales of E15 as gas prices remain high
   3. Forth.News — Good to talk about the importance of making nationwide, year-round E-15 a reality with Nebraska members of @GrowthEnergy. I’m proud to have led the push to include it in the Farm Bill. https://t.co/TfEqLt9sQ1
   4. Sierra Sun Times — Governor Gavin Newsom Says, “As Donald Trump’s Costly And Reckless Iran War Continues To Disrupt Global Oil Markets And Drive Up Costs For Families At The Pump, California Is Taking Action” to Lower Fuel Prices
   5. dailyadvance.com — Lower-Cost E15 Delivers Relief at the Pump
   6. Yahoo — California legalizes E15 gasoline as prices near record highs
   7. California State Portal | CA.gov — Governor Newsom signs bill expanding fuel options to help Californians save at the pump, amid Donald Trump’s gas price crisis
   8. San Diego Union-Tribune — A boost in ethanol should lower California gas prices. But will drivers even notice?
   9. AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST — California E15 Legislation and NASDA Annual Meeting
   confidence 90%