In comments submitted today to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Renewable Fuels Association voiced its strong support for immediately expanding access to the lower-cost E15 fuel blend in California. RFA urged CARB to quickly clarify remaining questions regarding the immediate implementation of AB 30, while working in parallel to update state gasoline regulations to allow E15.
“The legislative intent of AB 30, which was signed into law on October 2, is crystal clear,” wrote RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper in response to an October 14 CARB scoping workshop. “The bill, which passed unanimously out of both the Assembly and Senate, authorizes E15 as a legal fuel in California, with the intent that retailers may immediately offer the fuel if they choose to do so. In addition, Governor Newsom has indicated the urgency of allowing California drivers to access E15, directing CARB more than one year ago to ‘prioritize resources that would allow for the expeditious completion of this process.’ Thus, to honor the statutory purpose and intent of AB 30 and the Governor’s directive, RFA strongly encourages CARB to prioritize immediate implementation of AB 30 so that California fuel retailers can offer E15 as soon as possible.”
In the comments, RFA especially noted:
- CARB’s list of frequently asked questions, issued on November 10, offers clear and actionable guidance for entities who wish to offer E15, with the lone exception of Question 13 focused on vapor recovery equipment.
- RFA noted that vapor recovery equipment offered by one manufacturer is already certified by CARB for E15.
- RFA strongly recommends that CARB adopt E15 by updating the fuel specification in the California Reformulated Gasoline regulation and not through establishing an Alternative Fuels Specification in regulation.
- California’s existing gasoline supply chain infrastructure has a very high degree of readiness for E15. There are no current—or anticipated—significant barriers at the terminal or retail station level that would restrict the distribution or blending of E15.
- With regulatory clarity, adoption of E15 could occur quickly at retail stations in California.
- Consumers stand to benefit from meaningful cost savings as E15 becomes more widely available in California. A faster adoption rate will expand access to lower-priced gasoline options and help stabilize or reduce statewide fuel prices by increasing overall supply. Click here for recent examples of E15 fuel savings to consumers.
- The E15 misfuelling mitigation strategies required by U.S. EPA have worked effectively to prevent misuse and misfuelling. No additional state requirements are necessary to prevent misfuelling.
- RFA disagrees that there are 5,100 underground storage tanks and 2,000 additional piping systems in the state that are not compatible with E15, as suggested by CARB staff during the workshop.
