California's renewable fuels producer Aemetis, Inc. is urging the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to implement a 15% ethanol blend (E-15) in gasoline, a move that could significantly reduce gas prices for consumers and cut greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. This call comes as California remains the only state in the U.S. that has not adopted the E-15 blend, despite the Environmental Protection Agency's approval for its use in light-duty vehicles since 2011.
The push for E-15 adoption comes at a crucial time, as the State Assembly is currently holding hearings on lowering fuel prices in California, following Governor Newsom's call for a special legislative session. A recent study by economists from UC Berkeley and the US Naval Academy suggests that allowing an E-15 blend could result in annual savings of $2.7 billion for California drivers, translating to approximately $0.20 per gallon at the pump. For the average California household, this could mean savings of about $200 per year on gasoline expenses.
Beyond the economic benefits, the adoption of E-15 could have substantial environmental impacts. Ethanol, derived from renewable sources, emits 46% fewer air pollutants than gasoline. This shift could play a significant role in helping California achieve its ambitious goal of reaching net carbon neutrality by 2045. A study commissioned by CARB itself found that E-15 adoption could reduce emissions of harmful tailpipe pollutants such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide, which have direct impacts on air quality and human health.
Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis, Inc., emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, "As the transition to EVs and other zero tailpipe emission vehicles take place over the next decade, California should adopt every tool available – today – to expedite the reduction of harmful fossil fuel emissions." McAfee added that implementing E-15 is the most immediate cost-saving and environmentally beneficial step the state can take.
The adoption of E-15 aligns with California's broader climate action plans, which include reducing dependence on fossil fuels, decreasing air pollution, and promoting renewable energy use. This transition could serve as a bridge solution while the state continues its long-term shift towards electric vehicles and other zero-emission transportation options.
Importantly, the groundwork for E-15 implementation in California has already been laid. Source testing and on-road testing have been conducted, and billions of miles have been driven on E-15 across the United States since its approval in 2011. CARB has the authority to adopt new rules that would allow E-15 to be sold in California as soon as 2025.
The potential adoption of E-15 in California represents a significant opportunity for the state to address multiple challenges simultaneously. It offers a path to reduce consumer fuel costs, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality. As California continues to lead the nation in environmental initiatives, the implementation of E-15 could serve as another example of the state's commitment to innovative solutions that balance economic and environmental concerns.
As the debate over fuel prices and environmental policy continues in California, the potential adoption of E-15 stands out as a measure that could have immediate and far-reaching impacts. With the support of industry leaders like Aemetis and the backing of economic and environmental studies, the pressure is now on California's policymakers to consider this option seriously as they seek solutions to the state's ongoing fuel price and emissions challenges.
