Aemetis, Inc., a California-based renewable fuels producer, has called on the California Air Resources Board to implement a 15% ethanol blend in gasoline, a move that could significantly reduce gas prices for consumers and decrease greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. This proposal comes as California remains the only state in the U.S. that has not adopted the E-15 blend, despite its approval by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2011.
The push for E-15 adoption aligns with Governor Newsom's recent call for a special session of the state legislature to address high fuel prices in California. 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.
Beyond the economic benefits, the adoption of E-15 could have significant environmental impacts. Ethanol, derived from renewable sources, emits 46% fewer air pollutants than gasoline. This reduction in emissions could play a crucial role in helping California achieve its ambitious goal of reaching net carbon neutrality by 2045. A study commissioned by CARB found that E-15 adoption could also reduce 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 that 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 in California would support broader climate action goals, including reducing dependence on fossil fuels, decreasing air pollution, and promoting renewable energy use. The necessary steps for allowing an E-15 blend 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 its approval in 2011, providing a substantial body of evidence for its effectiveness and safety.
CARB has the authority to adopt new rules that would allow E-15 to be sold in California as soon as 2025. This timeline aligns with the state's urgent need to address both economic and environmental concerns related to transportation fuel. The potential implementation of E-15 in California represents a significant opportunity for the state to lead in both environmental stewardship and consumer protection. By reducing reliance on imported petroleum and increasing the use of domestically produced renewable fuel, California could set a new standard for sustainable transportation policies while providing immediate economic relief to its residents.
As the state legislature considers solutions to high gas prices, the adoption of E-15 stands out as a measure that could deliver both short-term economic benefits and long-term environmental gains. The move would not only align with California's climate goals but also demonstrate the state's commitment to innovative solutions in the face of pressing economic and environmental challenges.
