The Overview

If you fill up at a California gas station, you may soon have the option to pump E15, a gasoline blend with slightly more ethanol than the standard mix, without the station needing to overhaul its equipment. California's SB 795, the "Air pollution: gasoline vapor control systems: ethanol blends" bill, became law when Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed it Sept. 19. The Governor's Office said Newsom signed the bill to help Californians access E15 as a lower-cost fuel option. ​

What the Law Does

Under Senate Bill 795, signed into law in September, vapor control systems certified for gasoline with 10% ethanol could also be used with blends above 10% and up to 15% ethanol until January 1, 2029, if the equipment maker files a compatibility statement signed under penalty of perjury. The law allows vapor control systems already certified for blends containing 10 percent ethanol to also be used with blends up to 15 percent ethanol, as long as the equipment manufacturer submits a signed statement of compatibility to the relevant state agencies.

The same compatibility pathway applies to enhanced vapor recovery systems and to dispensing devices covered under occupational safety and health standards. The State Fire Marshal must adopt labeling and safe-use regulations for E15 by Dec. 31, 2026, and stations dispensing E15 must comply with those labeling rules.

Legislative Status

Sen. Laura Richardson (D-CA-35) is a Democrat from California. Sen. Jesse Arreguín (D-CA-7), Asm. Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-CA-67), and Asm. Blanca Rubio (D-CA-48) are all California Democrats.

The full Senate passed it Jan. 27, 40-0. The Assembly passed it Aug. 31, 74-0, and the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments the same day, 34-0.

Growth Energy, a biofuel trade association, welcomed the signing and said the law expands drivers' access to a more affordable fuel option. The Renewable Fuels Association said the bill removed a regulatory barrier to California retailers offering E15. ABC10 reported that while the law clears a path for E15 at California stations, drivers may have to wait for the fuel to become available.

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