California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 795, which directs the state fire marshal to write rules allowing E15 gasoline with 15% ethanol to be sold in the state. Growth Energy says the fuel costs about 30 cents less per gallon and works in 96% of light-duty vehicles. The bill follows AB 30, passed last year, which legalized E15 sales until a permanent rule is in place. The remaining step sits with the California Air Resources Board. CARB is scheduled to vote on the permanent E15 regulation on September 24. Until that happens, the practical impact depends on how quickly retailers and fuel suppliers can adjust their equipment and labeling. E15 can carry a lower carbon footprint than regular gasoline, but the exact number depends on ethanol's feedstock and production method. That makes the fuel a modest consumer and emissions story, not a guaranteed win.
