SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the California Air Resources Board (CARB) today after it voted to approve regulations that will allow the state to give its residents access to E15, a 15% ethanol-blended fuel that sells for $0.30 per gallon less on average compared to regular fuel.
“California drivers need relief at the pump and E15 is the easiest way to deliver. With this vote, CARB has cleared the way for consumers to get access to this more affordable fuel option,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “E15 saves consumers money and can be used in the vast majority of vehicles on the road, all while simultaneously lowering emissions. We commend Chair Lauren Sanchez and the entire board for taking action on behalf of drivers looking for lower prices at the pump. As we’ve said before, our industry is eager to help get E15 into the market and we look forward to continuing our partnership with state regulators and retailers to make this happen as soon as possible.”
The vote comes on the heels of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature of SB 795, a bill that directs the state fire marshal to finalize the rules necessary to increase retail access to E15 in the state. CARB’s approval of these regulations is the culmination of years of collaboration between the agency and the ethanol industry, working through the multimedia evaluation process, which included rigorous testing to demonstrate E15’s environmental benefits. The final steps of this rulemaking were mandated and funded by the 2025-26 state budget.
Before the vote, Growth Energy Director of State Government Affair Dallas Gerber delivered remarks urging the Board to adopt permanent E15 approval. Read his testimony as prepared for delivery here.