In the United States (US), California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 30 (AB30), which immediately allows 15 percent ethanol blending in gasoline and expands the potential California market for ethanol by 50 percent by increasing from an E10 to E15 blend.
On October 2, 2025, California became the 50th US state to allow the sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15 percent ethanol, which costs less than ordinary fuel and can be used in 96 percent of all cars on the road today.
After its unanimous approval in both chambers of the California state legislature, Gov. Newsom signed AB 30 into law. 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.
Welcomed by the ethanol trade bodies
In statements, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the leading biofuel trade bodies, have all praised California Governor Gavin Newsom for signing Assembly Bill 30 into law, legislation that opens the door for retailers across California to sell E15.
California’s approval of E15 is a milestone for the US fuel market. For more than a decade, drivers have safely used E15 to save at the pump while reducing emissions further than the standard 10 percent 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 Assembly members David Alvarez, Heath Flora, and other state leaders and bill sponsors who helped advance AB 30 to expand the use of higher ethanol blends, said Ron Lamberty, CMO at ACE.
The bill provisionally approves E15 for sale while the California Air Resources Board (CARB) completes its review of the fuel.
Once E15 becomes available at California retail locations, drivers in the state can expect to see a more affordable option at the pump—other states have seen an average savings of 10-30 cents per (US) gallon, with some locations offering E15 for up to a dollar less per gallon.
The wait is finally over—E15 is now approved for sale in California, and the biggest winners will ultimately be the state’s drivers and their families. E15 is a more affordable fuel option that the vast majority of drivers can take advantage of without having to buy a new vehicle. Its approval in California will generate more demand for American farmers, boosting the ag economy while allowing California residents to keep more of their hard-earned money, said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy.
California was the only remaining state in the nation where E15 sales were not allowed.
Thanks to Governor Newsom’s leadership and decisive action, California is on the road to lower gas prices and a cleaner future for families across the state. 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, said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO at RFA.
