New fuel blend cleared for California pumps could save drivers 20 cents a gallon

Californians will now be able to save $0.20 per gallon as drivers are getting a cheaper fuel option amid soaring gasoline prices — a saving that will amount to billions for Golden State motorists.Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation last week to allow the sale of E15 gasoline across the Golden State, which opens access to a lower-cost, 15% ethanol blend that aims to diversify California’s fuel market.

The new fuel blend with 15% ethanol could provide much-awaited relief as California gasoline prices have climbed to record highs, with regular gasoline averaging $6.24 per gallon and diesel reaching an average of $8.44 per gallon, according to the latest analysis by AAA Gas Prices. The E15 fuel has been available at more than 3,000 gas stations in 31 states and California was the sole state prohibiting its sale until last week.  The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley estimates that the adoption of E15 could cost 20 cents less per gallon as compared to the regular E10 fuel. Across the entire state, those savings could total as much as $2.7 billion annually for consumers.

The research highlights that the economic relief would not surface overnight because the fuel blend requires widespread infrastructure modifications at gasoline stations across the state. “Decisions by branded and unbranded gas stations on whether to add separate E15 nozzles or replace existing E10 nozzles, along with adjustments in pricing strategies, will be critical for successful implementation,” the study said. Increasing the ethanol blend in fuel would not raise nitrogen oxide emissions and would actually lead to reductions in fine particulate emissions, according to a study from the University of Califo...