SACRAMENTO, California — California Gov. Gavin Newsom directed state regulators on Friday to consider changing California’s gasoline content in an effort to reduce gas prices at the pump.
Newsom (D) told the California Air Resources Board to accelerate its review of a gasoline blend that would include 15 percent ethanol, up from the 10 percent allowed in California today. Adding more ethanol would increase fuel supplies, which is expected to put downward pressure on prices at the pump.
The directive comes as Newsom is under fire for an upcoming vote on the state’s low-carbon fuel standard that is expected to raise gas prices by at least 8 to 10 cents per gallon. Congressional Republicans sent state regulators a letter Thursday requesting they delay their Nov. 8 vote.
It also comes on the heels of a special legislative session Newsom convened to pass another proposal aimed at reducing what are typically the nation’s highest gas prices.
