The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, a Democrat from Stockton, who emphasized that Californians face some of the highest gas prices in the nation. The measure is part of the state’s response to recent price surges linked to global oil market disruptions caused by the Iran-Israel conflict. With gas prices in California climbing above $6 per gallon, the bill aims to provide commuters and working families with a practical way to reduce fuel costs.

If signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, the bill would exempt manufacturers of E85 conversion kits from the state’s California Air Resources Board (CARB) approval process. Currently, these kits must be certified by CARB to ensure they do not increase vehicle emissions. However, the bill retains federal certification requirements overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The kits cost between $800 and $1,250 and enable vehicles to run on both gasoline and E85.

E85 fuel is mostly made from ethanol derived from Midwest corn and is generally priced $2 or more below regular gasoline during price spikes. This ethanol blend is less affected by international oil market fluctuations, making it a more stable and cheaper alternative for drivers. However, while E85 costs less at the pump, it delivers 20% to 30% fewer miles per gallon compared to regular gasoline. Therefore, drivers save money only when E85 prices are significantly lower than gasoline.

Currently, about 1.3 million vehicles in California can use E85 fuel, but it is available at only about 640 stations statewide—just 3% of all fueling stations. Advocates of the bill believe that easing regulations will encourage more fueling stations to offer E85 and increase consumer demand. Ransom pointed out that while E85 might not be suitable for every driver, expanding access ensures more people have an affordable choice.

Environmental assessments rate E85 as cleaner than traditional gasoline under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Yet some experts caution that these benefits may be overstated because increased corn production for ethanol can lead to land use changes that generate additional emissions. Since 2008, only five companies have applied for CARB certification for conversion kits, and none have passed due to strict regulatory standards.

Supporters argue that CARB’s lengthy and complex approval process hinders wider adoption of E85 technology. Critics warn that loosening these standards could risk increasing emissions if not carefully managed. As California weighs this legislation, it faces a balance between reducing fuel costs for consumers and maintaining environmental protections amid ongoing debates over regulatory authority between state and federal agencies.

This legislative effort highlights California’s search for practical solutions amid volatile gas prices and ongoing concerns about climate change and energy security. If enacted, Assembly Bill 2046 could make E85 a more accessible alternative fuel option for many drivers across the state.

Ethanol, primarily made from corn, is blended with gasoline to reduce reliance on petroleum and lower certain tailpipe emissions. Traditionally, most gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10 percent ethanol (E10). The move to allow E15 during summer marks a significant shift, as ethanol helps reduce carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to pure gasoline. However, experts caution that ethanol production’s overall environmental benefits are mixed due to land use changes associated with increased corn farming.

While E15 is approved for use in most light-duty vehicles made since 2001 and flexible fuel vehicles, its summer use has been limited because burning ethanol releases volatile organic compounds that contribute to ground-level ozone formation—a harmful pollutant linked to respiratory issues. This effect is more pronounced in regions with low natural organic gases, such as Los Angeles, where smog is a persistent problem. Despite these concerns, the EPA’s temporary waivers aim to provide relief from high fuel prices exacerbated by conflicts affecting global oil markets.

In California, lawmakers are also seeking to expand access to even higher ethanol blends through E85 conversion kits. Assembly Bill 2046 proposes easing restrictions on devices that allow conventional gasoline vehicles to run on E85 fuel, which contains up to 85 percent ethanol. This bill passed the California Assembly unanimously and awaits Senate approval and gubernatorial consent. Supporters argue that E85 offers a more affordable alternative as it often costs significantly less than regular gasoline, insulating consumers from oil price shocks.

However, E85 delivers lower fuel efficiency—about 20 to 30 percent fewer miles per gallon—meaning drivers must weigh cost savings against increased refueling frequency. Currently, only about 1.3 million vehicles in California can use E85, and fueling infrastructure remains limited with roughly 640 stations offering it statewide.

Environmental experts remain divided on ethanol’s overall benefits. Some studies highlight reductions in greenhouse gas emissions due to ethanol use, while others emphasize negative impacts from land conversion for corn production and increased air pollution risks. Critics also warn that loosening regulatory standards on conversion kits could compromise emissions controls.

Despite these challenges, the push for higher ethanol blends reflects ongoing efforts by policymakers and agricultural interests to balance economic relief for consumers with environmental considerations. As debates continue over the best path forward, many experts suggest that transitioning toward electric vehicles may ultimately offer a cleaner solution for reducing transportation emissions.