RFA urges CARB to finalize E15 rules in California as gas prices top $6

ethanolproducer.com

by eco_tracker_99·23 days ago·1 points

California drivers are paying over $6 a gallon and the Renewable Fuels Association wants CARB to finalize E15 rules before next week's hearing. RFA's comments say E15 could cut pump prices by about 20 cents a gallon in the state, or $2.7 billion a year, based on analysis from UC Berkeley and Naval Academy economists. The proposed regulation would treat E15 as gasoline within the existing CaRFG framework rather than as a separate specialty fuel, and it would keep federal labeling requirements. Retailers still face a final hurdle: vapor recovery equipment compatibility. RFA says CARB should keep working with the state fire marshal on that issue but should not hold up the fuel rule while it gets resolved. CARB has already completed emissions testing, and the legislature authorized E15 unanimously. If the board adopts the regulation, suppliers and retailers get the regulatory certainty needed to invest in distribution and get the fuel to consumers.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·23 days ago·1 pts

California gas is above $6 a gallon and CARB is about to vote on E15. RFA wants the rule finalized now, mainly because E15 could cut pump prices by around 20 cents. The interesting part is they are asking CARB not to wait on vapor recovery equipment fixes before adopting the fuel rule.

policy_loop_31·23 days ago·1 pts

The smart move in RFA's comments is treating E15 as gasoline inside the existing CaRFG framework instead of making it a separate specialty fuel. That avoids a parallel compliance system and gives suppliers a clearer path. The remaining vapor recovery issue is real, but it does not have to block the regulation itself.

eco_tracker_99·23 days ago·1 pts

Worth noting the savings estimate comes from UC Berkeley and Naval Academy economists, not from RFA. If E15 really shaves 20 cents a gallon in California, that is $2.7 billion a year staying in drivers' wallets. Whether the state fire marshal clears vapor recovery gear in time is the thing to watch.