California’s AB30 bill puts E15 on the fast track, and the Whole Grain Podcast unpacks what this means for grain, ethanol, and the future of fuel. The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) recently released its latest podcast episode, featuring Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Cooper joins host Jim Lenz, GEAPS Director of Global Education and Training, to discuss California’s historic move toward legalizing E15 fuel for the first time.

The conversation centers on Assembly Bill 30 (AB30), which recently passed the California legislature with unanimous support and now awaits the governor’s signature. With an urgency clause attached, E15 could become available to California drivers almost immediately, marking a milestone for ethanol and other grain professionals across the nation.

“This is the first ethanol-friendly bill to move through the California legislature with unanimous support on every single vote,” Cooper said during the podcast interview. “California’s move on E15 sends a signal nationwide and around the world.”

Why It Matters

  • Consumer Savings: Californians could save an estimated $2.7 billion annually, or about $200 per household, with E15 often selling 10–30 cents per gallon cheaper than E10.
  • Environmental Benefits: E15 reduces smog-forming emissions, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases, offering cleaner air and public health improvements.
  • Economic Impact: Expanded ethanol demand of 600–700 million gallons would require an additional 200–250 million bushels of corn, which can boost demand across grain handling, storage, and transportation networks.
  • Zero-Waste Ethanol: Ethanol production transforms starch into fuel while turning protein, fat, and fiber into high-value livestock feed, creating critical synergies with the feed industry.
  • Cooper also reflected on the broad coalition that made the victory possible, which included farm groups, retailers, truckers, chambers of commerce, veterans, and labor organizations. He noted that persistence, partnership, and strategic leadership were key to overcoming years of regulatory hurdles.

Listen Now 

The full conversation with Geoff Cooper is available on the Whole Grain Podcast, GEAPS’ education-focused podcast for grain and grain processing professionals. This episode, titled “Lower Costs, Cleaner Air, Bigger Demand: Geoff Cooper on California’s E15 Breakthrough,” can be found on all major podcast apps and www.geaps.com/wholegrain. Tune in to explore what California’s move means for consumers, policymakers, and the grain and ethanol supply chains, and how this milestone could reshape the renewable fuels landscape for decades.

Listen to this episode: www.geaps.com/news-publications/whole-grain-podcast/lower-costs-cleaner-air-bigger-demand-geoff-cooper-on-californias-e15-breakthrough/ 

Listen to more Whole Grain episodes: www.geaps.com/wholegrain Learn more about the Renewable Fuels Association: www.ethanolrfa.org

Learn more about GEAPS: www.geaps.com

About GEAPS

The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is an international association of grain and grain processing professionals. GEAPS provides its members opportunities for networking, training and education, and access to a global marketplace of industry suppliers. The collaborative effort between GEAPS and its multimedia company GEAPS Media Group (GMG) expands reach in the industry and adds resources for members. GEAPS’ global network includes more than 4,000 individual members from approximately 1,200 companies. Join our network today!

About RFA

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry, driving growth in sustainable renewable fuels and bioproducts for a better future. Our vision is to help the world by unlocking the power of renewable fuels and bioproducts.

About the Whole Grain Podcast

Hosted by Jim Lenz, GEAPS’ Director of Global Education and Training, the Whole Grain Podcast shares expert insights, real-world stories, and innovative ideas shaping the future of grain and grain processing. Each episode features voices from across the industry, including GEAPS members, educators, and special guests. With a growing audience spanning 94 countries, the podcasts fuels growth, innovation and connection in the grain and grain processing industries—one conversation at a time.