California Unveils E15 Regulations Amid Calls for State Action

Key Takeaways

California regulators will discuss proposed E15 regulations on Sept. 24, essential for launching gasoline mixed with 15% ethanol.
Current regulatory hurdles include outdated equipment certification requirements, delaying E15 availability in California.
E15 has been shown to save consumers 20-40 cents per gallon compared to E10 in other states, but California drivers are currently missing these savings.

Proposed E15 Regulations to be Discussed

California regulators will hold a hearing on September 24 to consider necessary regulations for the sale of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol. This move has been applauded by key ethanol advocacy groups, including Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) aims to set the technical standards that would enable E15 sales, a significant step after California became the last U.S. state to legalize E15.

Despite the legalization last year, sales have not yet commenced due to regulatory delays. The upcoming hearing, scheduled for 9 a.m. Pacific time in Sacramento, will allow attendees to participate either in-person or via Zoom. Biofuel proponents highlight that E15 can save consumers up to 40 cents per gallon compared to traditional E10 blends.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor emphasized the importance of these proposed regulations, stating, “CARB’s proposed rulemaking represents a critical step toward getting E15 into the fuel tanks of California drivers, who are looking for ways to save money.” However, there remains a regulatory barrier caused by an equipment requirement, which ethanol advocates argue is outdated and unnecessary.

Currently, California’s fire marshal has mandated that secondary vapor recovery systems must be certified before E15 can be sold. This requirement is expected to extend the certification process by approximately two years. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has noted that such systems are no longer needed for modern vehicles and stated that California stands alone in enforcing this requirement across the United States.

Geoff Cooper, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, voiced his concerns: “We continue to believe the fire marshal should accept manufacturer statements regarding the compatibility of their vapor recovery equipment with E15. Those conversations are ongoing with the fire marshal, governor’s office, manufacturers, CARB, and fuel retailers.” He further noted that E15 is available for 20-40 cents less per gallon compared to E10 in markets where it is currently sold, illustrating the missed opportunity for California consumers.

Growth Energy is also collaborating with the fire marshal to address these regulatory challenges. The stakes are high, as California drivers continue to miss out on potential savings while the necessary regulations are hammered out. As discussions proceed, the focus will remain on facilitating a smoother transition to E15 in California, ultimately benefiting consumers and promoting renewable fuel options.

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