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CARB begins scientific review of E15; industry pushes for quick authorization while LAO urges limited-term staffing
Summary
CARB told the Senate subcommittee it is conducting the multimedia scientific evaluation required before any E15 fuel-spec change; the agency requested permanent staff to carry the rulemaking through to implementation, but the Legislative Analyst's Office recommended limited-term positions because the outcome of the study remains uncertain.
The California Air Resources Board told the Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on May 1 that it is conducting statutory scientific and multimedia evaluations required before the agency may change the state fuel specification to allow gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol (E15). CARB asked the Legislature for funding and 10 permanent positions to complete evaluation, rulemaking and expected implementation work; the Legislative Analyst's Office recommended limited-term positions because the scientific outcome is not yet final.
CARB described the multimedia evaluation process as a statutory prerequisite for initiating rulemaking. CARB staff said a "tier 2" emissions analysis was published and that, so far, the data do not show a clear emissions disbenefit in criteria or toxic pollutants from moving from E10 to E15, but the agency must still complete the full multimedia evaluation before initiating regulatory changes.
Why it matters: California is the only state that has not authorized E15 for broader sales; federal EPA decisions and labeling rules were discussed during the hearing. CARB said it needs staff not only to draft regulations but also to manage downstream effects on related programs such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and fuel distribution infrastructure.
Positions of actors and stakeholders
- CARB: Requested $2.388 million and 10 permanent positions to complete the multimedia evaluation and proceed to rulemaking and implementation; staff said attracting permanent hires will help the agency move efficiently through the administrative process and manage expected fuel-testing, enforcement and LCFS workload.
- LAO: Recommended converting the request to limited-term positions because the agency is still completing the multimedia evaluation required by statute and the scope and scale of ongoing implementation work remain uncertain.
- Industry and advocates: Biofuel producers and proponents (including POET and Growth Energy) urged funding and a clear timetable, saying E15 is approved for most model-year 2001-and-newer vehicles and can reduce pump prices; others asked CARB to analyze impacts on older engines and distribution infrastructure.
Ending note
No regulatory decision was made at the hearing. CARB said it will complete its multimedia evaluation and then initiate the rulemaking process if the science supports a specification change; the LAO and several senators urged a cautious approach to permanent hiring until the evaluation is complete.
