Putting People over Politics: The California Problem Solvers Caucus secures the E-15 win
California drivers have long suffered from some of the nation's steepest gas prices.
But through a historic, tireless bipartisan effort that focused on tangible results, the legislative waiting game has ended! Assembly Bill No. 30 (AB 30) was signed into law on October 3, 2025, immediately authorizing the sale of the E15 gasoline blend. This represents real, immediate relief for the state's consumers. California, which was the final U.S. state to permit this cost-saving fuel, is finally joining the rest of the country in offering this cheaper, cleaner option.
Consumer Relief: Saving Billions Annually
AB 30 was explicitly designed to address the affordability crisis at the pump, and its authorization could yield significant savings for California consumers.
Independent studies provide compelling details on the financial benefits:
A Discount on Every Gallon: Research from UC Berkeley and the U.S. Naval Academy estimates that E15 could lower gasoline prices by approximately 20 cents per gallon.
Massive Statewide Impact: This significant savings projection translates into potential annual savings of up to $2.7 billion for California drivers.
Household Benefits: On average, this authorization could save California households about $200 per year.
Even though E15 has a slightly lower energy density, resulting in a minor reduction (1-3%) in fuel economy, the substantially lower price of the ethanol component is expected to result in overall cost savings at the pump.
A Cleaner, Greener Victory for the State
This legislative victory is not just financial; it also secures essential benefits for the environment and public health benefits. E15 is recognized as a cleaner-burning fuel that offers performance similar to or even better than that of the current E10 blend.
The data supporting the environmental improvements is robust:
Reduced Tailpipe Emissions: Research commissioned by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) suggests that the sale of E15 could reduce emissions of tailpipe pollutants.
Lower Particulates: A separate study by the University of California at Riverside specifically found that the E15 blend would lower particulate emissions, making it a "win-win" for environmental protection and public health.
Climate Benefits: Ethanol also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Problem Solvers Caucus: Bipartisan Action Delivers
The landmark authorization of E15 is a direct result of the California Problem Solvers Caucus—a bipartisan and bicameral group established in 2020 committed to finding solutions through collaboration and mutual respect. The Caucus is composed of both Assemblymembers and Senators, Democrats and Republicans.
Breaking Through Bureaucracy
Finalizing this cost-effective fuel blend has been a priority for the Caucus since the 2023-2024 legislative session. The urgent measure, AB 30, was co-authored by Assembly Members David Alvarez (D) and Heath Flora (R) and sponsored by the bipartisan Caucus.
The legislative push was driven by years of regulatory delays. CARB began its review of E15 back in 2018. This failure to act has cost Californians potential savings. Assemblymember Flora, an AB 30 co-author, emphasized that drivers had been hurting while "bureaucratic delays kept cheaper fuel options off the market". The Caucus is committed to putting people over party.
A Legislative Consensus
When the time came for the Legislature to act, the consensus for immediate relief was overwhelming. AB 30 passed with broad bipartisan support:
Assembly: 77-0
Senate: 39-0
Upon the Governor’s signature on October 3, 2025, Assemblymember Alvarez, a Caucus co-chair, stated that drivers will "finally see relief at the pump". Senator Suzette Valladares, also a Caucus co-chair, hailed AB 30 as a "commonsense, bipartisan solution" that reduces fuel costs while advancing cleaner energy options.
Because AB 30 included an urgency clause, E15 became legal to sell immediately upon the Governor’s signature.
