Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fuel Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances bill to authorize sale of E15 in California, sparking safety and consumer-notification concerns
Summary
AB 30, which would allow sales of E15 (gasoline blended with 15% ethanol) in California, was advanced to Appropriations after lengthy testimony from supporters citing fuel affordability and emissions reductions and opposition from boating and marine groups seeking safeguards and labeling to prevent misfueling of small engines and vessels.
Assemblymember Alvarez told the committee AB 30 would allow sale and use of E15 fuel in California, aligning the state with 49 other states and potentially lowering consumer fuel costs. "By approving this bill, California drivers could see a 20 cent per gallon reduction to their cost of gas," Alvarez said, citing a study referenced in testimony.
Neil Koehler of the Renewable Fuels Association testified in support and described E15 as an option that can lower cost and reduce greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions. "Going from 10 to 15% would be a 2,000,000-plus metric ton benefit on GHGs," Koehler said, and added the association was confident CARB's multimedia testing showed no adverse vehicle impacts.
Opponents included Jerry Desmond of Recreational Boaters of California and Mark Smith of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, who warned federal law prohibits sale of E15 for many recreational and small off-road engines and expressed concerns about engine damage and misfueling. Desmond asked for assurances that E10 would remain available and for protections for boaters who often refill at standard pumps.
Committee members raised questions about price impacts, infrastructure costs for station upgrades, CARB rulemaking timing, and consumer notification. Alvarez said CARB has been working on the multimedia risk assessment and the bill preserves CARB's formal rulemaking process while providing an immediate statutory authorization for E15; the bill includes an urgency clause to take effect upon the governor's signature.
After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to refer AB 30 as amended to Appropriations. The committee record shows ongoing negotiations with opposition groups over labeling and safeguards; the author and witnesses said they'd continue engagement with stakeholders as the bill advances.
