California Senate Passes Bill Allowing E15 Fuel Sales

California lawmakers have unanimously passed Assembly Bill 30 to allow the sale of E15 gasoline, a blend containing 15% ethanol, aligning the state with the other 49 states that already permit this fuel. The bill, supported by a broad coalition and backed by studies from UC Berkeley and the U.S. Naval Academy, could reduce fuel prices by about 20 cents per gallon and save consumers up to $2.7 billion annually. E15 has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is considered a cleaner, more affordable fuel option, with favorable environmental and public health outcomes reported by California regulatory agencies. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the bill, which would take effect immediately, ending California's unique status as the only state that banned E15 sales. The move is also seen as beneficial for biofuel producers and corn farmers, expanding their market to the most populous U.S. state. This legislative change comes amid California's ongoing effort to balance environmental goals with rising gas prices, while the federal government under President Donald Trump has relaxed emissions and fuel economy regulations.