July 14th, 2026

AB 2046, the Access to Affordable Gas Act, continues advancing through the California Legislature.

Since passing the Assembly 72-0 in May, the bill has cleared two Senate committees. The Senate Environmental Quality Committee approved it 7-0 on June 17. The Senate Transportation Committee followed with a 12-0 vote on June 30. AB 2046 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee before it can reach a full Senate floor vote.

A quick refresher

AB 2046, authored by Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, would let drivers install EPA-approved E85 conversion kits in compatible gasoline vehicles — something every other state already allows. Right now, only factory-built flex fuel vehicles can legally run on E85 in California; even though the conversion technology is federally approved and already in use nationwide.

E85 has typically been priced $1.50 to $2.00 a gallon below unleaded gasoline across the state. If enacted, AB 2046 would make those potential fuel savings available to drivers of compatible vehicles who choose to install an approved conversion kit.

What the committee votes signal

Unanimous committee votes can be an encouraging sign for a bill, but several steps remain before it becomes law. The Senate Appropriations Committee will review the bill’s fiscal impact before deciding whether to advance it. If approved there, AB 2046 moves to a vote of the full Senate, then heads to Governor Newsom for final consideration.

“AB 2046 represents a meaningful step toward expanding fuel choice and improving affordability for California drivers,” said Doug Vind, managing member of Pearson Fuels. “We appreciate Asm. Ransom for introducing this bill and the legislators who are helping move it forward.”

What hasn’t changed

More than 600 E85 stations operate statewide. If AB 2046 becomes law, the infrastructure to support newly converted vehicles is already in place. This legislation removes the current legal barrier that limits E85 use to factory-built flex fuel vehicles.

What drivers can do now

Nothing changes today for current flex fuel vehicle owners. If your car has a yellow gas cap, yellow sticker, or an “FFV” badge, you can already fill up on E85 anywhere it’s sold in California. The Pearson Fuels App shows nearby stations and real-time prices.

For drivers without a flex fuel vehicle, the next milestones to keep an eye on for AB 2046 are consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee and, if approved, a vote of the full Senate.