Legislators propose a bill to decrease gas prices by enhancing ethanol production for California Governor Newsom
California Bill Allows Sale of E15 Fuel Amid Ongoing Reviews
California is one step closer to allowing the sale of fuel blended with up to 15% ethanol, following the unanimous approval of bill AB 30 by the California Senate. The bill, co-authored by Assemblymembers David Alvarez (D) and Heath Flora (R), was passed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
If signed into law, the bill would enable California gas stations to sell fuel with a higher ethanol content, potentially lowering gas prices. The new fuel blend, E15, is the focus of the review processes outlined in AB 30.
AB 30 has an urgency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately after receiving Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature. However, the bill sets a timeframe for the California Air Resources Board to either approve or disapprove the use of E15 fuel. If the regulatory bodies do not complete their reviews within a certain timeframe, E15 can be sold.
California is the only state that caps the amount of ethanol that can be blended with gasoline at 10%. Economists at the University of California, Berkeley, and the U.S. Naval Academy argue that California's ethanol cap contributes to the state's higher-than-average gas prices.
The ongoing review of E15 fuel by the California Environmental Policy Council is part of AB 30. The California Air Resources Board is also involved in the review process. If the regulatory bodies find that the use of E15 fuel is not feasible, they are required to publish an assessment under AB 30.
AB 30 does not specify a timeframe for the California Air Resources Board and the California Environmental Policy Council to complete their reviews. If the regulatory bodies do not complete their reviews, the sale of E15 fuel would be allowed without their explicit approval.
The bill gives Gov. Gavin Newsom the opportunity to bypass state regulators who are studying the option to lower gas prices by allowing higher-ethanol fuel sales. The passage of AB 30 comes as the state grapples with high gas prices, which have been a contentious issue for many Californians.
The author who submitted the bill AB 30 together with Assemblyman David Alvarez is not found in the provided search results. The bill was passed by the California legislature on Wednesday. If signed into law, the bill would allow California gas stations to sell fuel blended with up to 15% ethanol, subject to ongoing reviews by the California Air Resources Board and the California Environmental Policy Council.
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