The Renewable Fuels Association applauded the California Senate’s passing of a bill that would allow the sale of E15, saying the state is much closer to cleaner fuel use.
The Association said the bill moves on to the governor’s desk for approval.
Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom said ethanol blends have massive potential and will lower gas prices while keeping the air clean. Researchers at the University of California-Berkeley and the U.S. Naval Academy said in a report that California consumers may see up to $2.7 billion in savings every year by having E15 available.
California is the only state that doesn’t allow sales of the fuel blend.
The analysis also finds that a unit increase in octane level results in a value premium of about 11 cents per gallon. California’s transition from E10 to E15 could save about 13 cents per gallon on average due to the lower carbon intensity of E15.
E15 is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. So far, E15 is approved for use in vehicles that were made in 2001 and newer.
