California Urged to Adopt E-15 Ethanol Blend to Lower Gas Prices and Reduce Emissions

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 decrease greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. This call to action comes as California remains the only state in the U.S. that has not adopted the E-15 blend, despite its approval by the EPA in 2011 for use in light-duty vehicles.

The potential impact of this change is substantial. A 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, providing much-needed financial relief, especially for lower-income residents.

Beyond the economic benefits, the adoption of E-15 could have immediate environmental impacts. Ethanol, derived from renewable sources, emits 46% fewer air pollutants than gasoline. This shift could play a crucial role in California's ambitious goal of reaching net carbon neutrality by 2045, as the transportation sector accounts for 27 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. A CARB-commissioned study further supports this, indicating that E-15 adoption could reduce emissions of harmful tailpipe pollutants such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide.

Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis, Inc., emphasized the urgency 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 mark a significant step towards achieving these goals while providing immediate benefits to consumers and the environment.

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.

As Governor Newsom calls a special session of the state legislature to address high gas prices, the adoption of E-15 presents a timely and practical solution. This move could not only provide immediate economic relief to Californians but also accelerate the state's progress towards its environmental goals. The decision now rests with CARB and state legislators, who have the opportunity to align California with the rest of the nation in adopting this more economical and environmentally friendly fuel blend.