California Legalized E15 Gasoline Nearly a Year Ago, No Stations Sell It Yet

California state lawmakers legalized E15 gasoline nearly a year before June 20, 2026, yet not a single gasoline station in the state is selling the fuel. 61 per gallon on June 19, the highest in the United States. E15 contains 15 percent ethanol and has been sold in other states for 15 years.

Supporters say the blend could reduce pump prices by up to 30 cents per gallon. The California Office of the State Fire Marshal requires updated vapor-recovery certifications and complete testing reports from approved laboratories before sales can begin.

Additional approvals are needed from the California Air Resources Board, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Daniel Berlant as State Fire Marshal on October 6, 2023. Lawmakers approved E15 last fall, making California the last state to legalize the fuel. In December 2025, California air regulators concluded that E15 would not have a significant adverse impact on public health or the environment.

Gov. Newsom raised concerns about implementation costs before signing the legislation and later directed agencies to speed up the process. Geoff Cooper, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, said manufacturers have already verified compatibility and provide written warranties covering E15 use.

He told the San Francisco Chronicle that drivers are missing out on savings because of a bureaucratic process. Jeff Wilkerson, government policy and regulatory affairs manager at Pearson Fuels, projects savings of approximately 10 cents per gallon after accounting for gasoline and ethanol prices, transportation costs, and federal renewable identification number credits.