SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on Oct 25 issued a directive to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to expedite measures that could lead to lower gas prices without compromising environmental protections.

Building on legislation passed in 2023 and 2024 to prevent price spikes and increase transparency in the oil industry, the Governor’s order directs CARB to accelerate studying how California could increase ethanol blending in gasoline (E15), which studies have shown could reduce prices while maintaining environmental protections.

“There’s massive potential for this to be a win-win for Californians: lowering gas prices by up to twenty cents per gallon while keeping our air clean. It builds on our efforts to keep gas prices low by holding Big Oil accountable and helping prevent price spikes at the pump,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.