California lawmakers voted last week to allow the sale of E15, a higher-ethanol gasoline blend that could help bring down fuel prices in the Golden State. California had been the only U.S. state that did not allow sales of the fuel.
The sale of E15, a blend containing 15% ethanol, would be allowed immediately once the bill is signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The move likely will benefit biofuel producers and corn farmers, as it will expand the market for their products to the most populous U.S. state.
California’s state Senate passed the bill, AB 30, in a unanimous 39-0 vote. The measure passed the state Assembly in June. California has been grappling with how to rein in skyrocketing pump prices while maintaining its ambitious environmental goals.
“California consumers cannot wait any longer,” said California Senator Laura Richardson on the Senate floor while introducing the bill. She pointed to a University of California study that estimated that the fuel’s availability could lower gas prices in the state by 20 cents per gallon.
Source: NAFB News Service
