May 14th, 2026

Last week, Pearson Fuels joined fuel retailers, marketers, and industry partners in Sacramento for the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance’s Day at the Capitol — an opportunity to meet directly with the lawmakers shaping California fuel policy.

Much of the conversation throughout the day centered on one issue: cost.

California drivers continue paying some of the highest fuel prices in the country, even as a lower-cost fuel option already exists across much of the state. E85 is now available at more than 600 stations statewide, including many supported by Pearson Fuels, where it has consistently been priced $1.50 to $2.00 lower per gallon than regular unleaded. Still, access remains limited to drivers who already own flex fuel vehicles.

A major focus of the meetings was AB 2046, the Access to Affordable Gas Act, authored by Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom. The bill would establish a legal pathway for approved E85 conversion technology in California, allowing compatible gasoline vehicles to operate on E85.

The technology itself is well established. Similar systems are already permitted in all other 49 states, and ethanol-capable vehicles have operated for years in larger international fuel markets where drivers routinely choose between gasoline and ethanol blends based on availability and price.

One thing became clear during conversations inside the capitol: lawmakers from both parties are paying close attention to the growing cost of driving in California. AB 2046’s unanimous 16–0 vote in its first committee hearing carried weight throughout the building.

There was also recognition that affordability conversations cannot live entirely in the future tense. Long-term transportation goals remain central to California policy discussions, but many drivers are looking for practical ways to reduce fuel costs today. Supporters of AB 2046 argue that expanded access to E85 could become part of that discussion.

California’s E85 infrastructure is already in place. Stations are operating across the state, and drivers are already using the fuel every day. The remaining question is whether California will create a pathway for more motorists to access it.

What’s next?

We appreciated the opportunity to meet with legislators, staff, and industry leaders throughout the day, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to discuss fuel affordability and transportation policy in California.

AB 2046 now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Pearson Fuels will continue sharing updates as the bill advances through the legislative process.