California just opened the door to lower gas prices. Now, Congress can, too | Opinion

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom made California the 50th and final state to allow the sale of E15 — a gasoline blend with 15% renewable ethanol that costs less than standard gas. The bill’s unanimous bipartisan passage in both houses of the Legislature shows just how urgently Californians need relief from skyrocketing gas prices.

This action could not have come at a more critical time. California has seen an unprecedented wave of refinery closures this year, steadily driving up gas prices that have already far exceeded the national average. In fact, a recent University of Southern California study projected that gas prices could climb to $8.43 per gallon by next year if nothing changes.

Thankfully, by legalizing E15, California has taken a meaningful step forward toward bringing relief and stability to drivers.

Now that it’s legalized, the benefits will be immediate and tangible. A joint study by UC Berkeley and the U.S. Naval Academy found that E15 could save California households up to $200 per year, collectively putting $2.7 billion back in consumers’ pockets annually. A separate UC Riverside study commissioned by the California Air Resources Board confirmed that E15 reduces tailpipe pollutants like particulate matter and carbon monoxide, cutting smog and improving public health.

In short, Californians will now enjoy cleaner air, stronger fuel supply security and lower costs every time they fill up. Our recent discussions with fuel retailers up and down the state show that they have a strong interest in providing this fuel to drivers as soon as possible.

There is, however, still one roadblock at the federal level that is preventing greater E15 usage in other states.

Outdated federal rules prohibit E15 sales every summer unless the White House and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency step in with a temporary waiver. That leaves farmers and drivers in a constant state of uncertainty, wondering whether this lower-cost, cleaner fuel will be available when people need it most.

That’s why Congress must act. A bipartisan bill — the Nationwide Consumer and Retailer Fuel Choice Act — is already on the table to make E15 available everywhere, every month of the year.

For families, the benefits are clear. E15 can save drivers at least 25 cents a gallon, adding up to hundreds of dollars in annual savings. For farmers in the Golden State and around the country, year-round E15 would create a reliable market for this year’s historic, enormous corn crop, helping keep America’s farms thriving instead of going out of business. And for the nation, it strengthens energy independence by reducing our reliance on foreign oil and keeping more of our energy dollars here at home.

California has shown that bipartisan action on E15 is possible and popular. California’s federal lawmakers have long supported cleaner, more affordable fuel choices for California families. Now, they should champion that same opportunity for every American. By passing a permanent solution, Congress can give all Americans what Californians are celebrating today: more choice, lower costs and cleaner air.

Geoff Cooper is president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.