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, 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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2011.
The push for E-15 adoption coincides with Governor Newsom's 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 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 aligns with California's ambitious goal of reaching net carbon neutrality by 2045. A CARB-commissioned study found that E-15 adoption could reduce emissions of tailpipe pollutants such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide, addressing both air quality and human health concerns.
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. He 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 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.
CARB has the authority to adopt new rules that would allow E-15 to be sold in California as soon as 2025. This move could provide an immediate solution to high gas prices while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns. As the transportation sector accounts for 27 percent of US greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, increasing California's ethanol blend could have a substantial impact on reducing emissions and gasoline usage in the state.
The potential implementation of E-15 in California represents a significant opportunity to address both economic and environmental challenges. As the state continues to lead in environmental policy, the adoption of E-15 could serve as a bridge solution, providing immediate benefits while longer-term strategies for zero-emission vehicles are developed and implemented.
As the special session of the state legislature continues to explore solutions for high gas prices, the call for E-15 implementation presents a concrete, actionable step that could bring relief to consumers and contribute to California's environmental goals. The coming months may prove crucial in determining whether California will join the rest of the nation in embracing this renewable fuel option.
