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

Aemetis, Inc., a California-based renewable fuels producer, is urging the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to implement a 15% ethanol blend (E-15) in gasoline. This proposal comes as California faces ongoing concerns about high fuel prices and seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.

California is currently the only state in the U.S. that has not adopted E-15, which was approved by the EPA for use in light-duty vehicles in 2011. A study by UC Berkeley and US Naval Academy economists suggests that allowing E-15 could save California drivers approximately $2.7 billion annually, or about $0.20 per gallon at the pump. For the average California household, this could translate to savings of around $200 per year on gasoline expenses.

The potential benefits of E-15 extend beyond economic savings. Ethanol, derived from renewable sources, emits 46% fewer air pollutants than gasoline. Implementing E-15 could contribute significantly to California's goal of reaching net carbon neutrality by 2045. A CARB-commissioned study found that adopting E-15 could also reduce emissions of tailpipe pollutants such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide, which have negative 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. The necessary steps for allowing E-15 in California, including source testing and on-road testing, have already been conducted. Billions of miles have been driven on E-15 across the United States since 2011, providing a substantial track record for its use.

As the California State Assembly holds hearings on the need for lower fuel prices, the implementation of E-15 presents a potential solution that could address both economic and environmental concerns. CARB has the ability to adopt new rules that would allow E-15 to be sold in California as soon as 2025, potentially providing rapid relief to consumers and immediate environmental benefits.

The push for E-15 in California represents a significant opportunity for the state to lead in both economic relief for consumers and environmental stewardship. As the debate over fuel prices and emissions continues, the adoption of E-15 could serve as a model for how states can balance economic needs with environmental goals in the ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources.