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CARB completes emissions analysis for E15; rulemaking and consumer‑protection questions remain
Summary
CARB reported a multimedia emissions evaluation for E15 (gasoline with up to 15% ethanol) showing no clear criteria‑pollutant disbenefit in initial analysis; agency asked for resources to complete the scientific evaluation and pursue rulemaking while stakeholders debated consumer impacts and price benefits.
The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 heard testimony on CARB’s evaluation of gasoline blends that include up to 15% ethanol (E15) and on the agency’s request for staff to complete a multimedia scientific review and potential rulemaking.
CARB officials said state statute requires a multimedia evaluation before changing fuel specifications. Staff presented a “Tier 2” emissions analysis and reported that, in the initial work, they did not find a clear, direct criteria‑pollutant or toxic emissions disbenefit from E15 compared with E10. CARB requested ongoing staffing and resources (the governor requested roughly $2.3 million and 10 positions in testimony) to finish the multimedia evaluation, begin rulemaking if warranted, and to assess downstream impacts on fuel distribution, enforcement and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
Legislators raised concerns about older engines and nonroad equipment, where higher ethanol blends can cause compatibility issues. CARB staff said the EPA authorizes E15 for model year 2001 and newer light‑duty vehicles and that states that allow E15 typically rely on labeling and separate distribution to protect equipment not designed for higher ethanol blends. Industry witnesses argued E15 can lower pump prices and cited studies showing modest price differences; public‑health and environmental advocates focused on emissions and lifecycle greenhouse‑gas impacts, which depend on feedstock and production pathways.
The subcommittee did not adopt legislation or votes. CARB said it would finish the multimedia evaluation and that any rulemaking would include analysis of fuel economy, distribution infrastructure, labeling, and impacts to older engines and nonroad equipment before a regulatory change would be implemented.
