Ethanol Blog

LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) -- California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom directed the California Air Resources Board to take immediate steps toward allowing E15 sales in the state this week.

In a letter to CARB Chairman Liane Randolph on Friday, Newsom ordered the agency to complete all the necessary studies and steps to allow those sales.

"Given the potential for allowing E15 gasoline to increase fuel supply and reduce gasoline prices, with little to no environmental harm, it is prudent for CARB to prioritize resources that would allow for the expeditious completion of this process," Newsom wrote.

"Therefore, I am directing CARB to accelerate its action on this critical issue. Further, I welcome partnership with the legislature next year to consider necessary statutory changes and funding that would further expedite CARB's consideration of authorizing E15."

California is the only remaining state that doesn't allow E15 sales.

In July 2024, the Renewable Fuels Association released a new study that concluded California consumers could save about $2.7 billion annually if regulators allowed E15 sales, https://www.dtnpf.com/….

"California is on the frontlines of the climate crisis and too many Californians continue to breathe dirty air," Newsom said in the letter.

"Together we have taken bold steps to advance clean transportation options, including a world-leading clean fuels and zero-emission vehicle agenda, on our path to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2045 and to meet federal air quality mandates. At the same time, California families have also experienced significant gasoline price spikes -- particularly during fall 2022 and fall 2023 -- costing Californians upwards of $2.2 billion."

In a news release on Friday, Newsom said there is "massive potential" for E15 to be a "win-win" for Californians.

"It builds on our efforts to keep gas prices low by holding big oil accountable and helping prevent price spikes at the pump," the news release said.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said in a statement that Newsom's efforts to "accelerate the approval" of E15 in the state.

"Not only does E15 reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful tailpipe pollution, but it also delivers significant savings at the pump," Cooper said.

"Allowing the sale of E15 would provide economic relief to California families, while at the same time providing important environmental benefits."

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said, "We thank Gov. Newsom for voicing his support to approve E15, which can lower fuel costs for California families while helping to decarbonize the state's light-duty vehicles. We stand ready to assist the governor's office and state to complete the approval process and permit the sale of this more affordable and environmentally beneficial fuel option, which Americans have already relied on to travel 120 billion miles."

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

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